THE Fiji Trades Union Congress has launched a blistering attack on Government’s decision to temporarily ease immigration requirements for employers bringing foreign workers into Fiji, warning the move could come at the expense of local jobs and workers’ rights.
FTUC says the changes, which include waivers on proving that workers are unavailable locally and requirements for skills understudy, were made without consultation or studies on their impact.
The union claims employers are increasingly turning to foreign workers because they can be made to work longer hours without overtime payments or other employment benefits.
FTUC general secretary Felix Anthony said the lack of oversight over foreign workers was particularly concerning, alleging some were living in poor and “unfit” conditions while facing exploitation with limited avenues for redress.
The union also questioned whether Government agencies have enough resources to monitor work permits, employment conditions, contracts and visa expiry dates amid the growing influx of foreign workers.
FTUC said the decision appeared “ad-hoc” and accused the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation of successfully lobbying for the changes without adequate consultation with workers’ representatives.
While acknowledging that some industries require overseas labour, FTUC is calling for tripartite consultations involving Government, employers and workers before further decisions are made.
It warned that prioritising foreign labour without safeguards could undermine decent employment opportunities for Fijians and push more locals to seek work overseas.
