Government is reviewing the Employment Relations Act, recognising the need for continuous improvement.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh highlighted in Parliament last week the important policy reviews that had been undertaken.
“We are currently reviewing the Employment Relations Act to explicitly include and strengthen protections for foreign and migrant workers, with a particular focus on seafarers,” Mr Singh said.
“Labour inspectors will be able to enter workplaces while in operation. We have noted that breaches in OHS occur during night shifts.”
He said a concurrent review of the Immigration Act by the Ministry of Immigration was also underway to strengthen the work permit process, ensuring it supports fair recruitment and employment.
“In collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners, the Government is developing Fiji’s National Labour Mobility Policy and Strategy, which will provide a comprehensive, forward-looking framework for the protection and welfare of migrant workers.
“This month (November), the Ministry of Immigration convened a series of high-level meetings on National Migration Governance.
“These series of meetings began with a workshop on the Global Compact for Migration, continued with a Technical Working Group to validate Fiji’s new Migration Policy and Action Plan.”
He said the meetings were not just discussions; they were critical next steps to turn policy intentions into an enforceable, national strategy.
“The review of the Employment Relations Act and the development of the National Labour Mobility Policy are not happening in a vacuum.
“The meetings were the concrete actions that precede enforcement.”
