The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations has rejected allegations that recruitment under Fiji’s labour mobility programmes is based on favouritism, family connections or improper influence.
The Ministry was responding to allegations circulating on TikTok concerning recruitment through the National Employment Centre (NEC), including the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
It said recruitment is conducted under established bilateral arrangements, programme guidelines and selection frameworks designed to ensure transparency and fairness.
The Ministry said approved employers select workers from the pool of NEC-registered candidates who are work-ready and available.
While employers may identify potential workers through referrals, including recommendations from existing employees, referred candidates must still meet the required registration, assessment and recruitment criteria.
The Ministry said employers ultimately make hiring decisions based on their operational requirements and the suitability of candidates.
Candidates may be assessed on their skills, qualifications, experience, physical capability, police clearance, medical fitness and work-readiness, depending on the job requirements.
The Ministry also warned workers about individuals allegedly providing unauthorised advice or seeking payments, commissions or a share of workers’ compensation or WorkCover settlements.
Workers have been urged to verify the identity and authority of anyone claiming to represent the Ministry and report suspicious approaches through official channels.
The Ministry said allegations of corruption, favouritism or misconduct should be supported by credible evidence and encouraged anyone with information to submit it to the appropriate authorities.
It said it remains committed to transparent, accountable and merit-based recruitment while protecting the welfare of Fijians working overseas.
