NATIONAL Employment Centre (NEC) director Lui Fesaitu Mario says the recruitment of Fijians for the PALM Scheme workers program in Australia is still on hold.
While responding to questions at the Ministry of Employment 2026 Road Show in Sigatoka, Mr Fesaitu said they were not taking any new applications.
He said despite the temporary pause on new recruitments, the centre continued to undertake trainings and awareness for current PALM Scheme workers.
The indefinite pause was first implemented in 2024 when the NEC sited a back log of applications reaching over 30,000.
Mr Fesaitu said there were still a large number of Fijians expressing interest in joining the program.
“It is not easy task and there are a lot of things we need to prepare before the worker departs either for the PALM or the RSE (recognised seasonal employer) program in New Zealand.”
According to the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Fiji has 4750 active workers under the PALM scheme.
