FIJIAN workers in Australia under the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme met senior representatives from the Ministry of Employment, including the minister and permanent secretary to discuss and raise matters affecting them.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Parliament on Thursday the team from the ministry held a roadshow in Australia for four weeks, from September 25 to October 26.
“The roadshow team engaged with hundreds of Fijians in Australia, offering on-the-spot services such as renewal of passports with the Ministry of Immigration, registration and issue of voter IDs with the Fijian Elections Office, registration in the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, printing of birth, death, and marriage certificates with the Ministry of Justice, and accessing services provided by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF),” Mr Rabuka said.
“Members of the community expressed their deep appreciation for the opportunity to access government services without having to pay thousands of dollars to travel to Fiji for these same services.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the officials who supported the initiative, as well as the Fiji High Commission staff in Canberra, and the community elders across Australia, who volunteered to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise.
“Their professionalism and dedication to service and to the people reflect the value of public service that we uphold.
“The success of the roadshow underscores the importance of consistent outreach and engagement with our overseas communities, so they do not feel isolated or disconnected from home.”
He also commended the coordination between the Fijian Elections Office, Fijian Electoral Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and our diplomatic and trade missions abroad for facilitating voter registration for Fijians overseas.
“This collaboration ensures that every citizen, no matter where they reside, can participate in our democratic processes and remain connected to Fiji.
“These initiatives form part of the National Diaspora Policy currently being developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in consultation with relevant agencies.”
