A FORMER prison inmate who’s found it difficult to get employment for years is seeking government assistance to provide job opportunities for him and others like him.
Mitieli Roko, who resides at Cunningham Rd, Stage 1, told The Fiji Times he had served time in prison about 10 years ago but cannot find work in places he’d worked at.
He said it was hard to be accepted into the workforce with a criminal record, even after being awarded two trade scholarships and graduating with certificates.
“So far, I have certificates for tiling, floor planning, waterproofing and electrical. I graduated in 2022,” Mr Roko said.
“I went to prison from 2002 to 2005. When I came out, I continued my studies and was offered a scholarship for electrical work at the Fiji Institution of Technology.
“I was awarded another scholarship from APTC for construction, wall, and floor planning.”
Mr Roko said after joining the Yellow Ribbon program, he applied for a job at the Government Shipping but was terminated because of his criminal record.
He said he had turned his life around for the sake of his family although he was still being stigmatised.
“We all need a second chance as well, and we have the qualifications.
“I’m not just speaking for me; I am speaking for my brothers and sisters facing the same thing.”
When questioned about the expungement of former inmates’ records, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said ex-convicts who had served time about 10 or more years ago were eligible to apply for a rehabilitation order.
“You have to apply for the rehabilitation order just to show you did not commit an offence for the past 10 years,” Mr Tudravu said.
Mr Roko also conveyed his disappointment with the recent announcement by Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto in regards to work permit applications.
“It’s unfair to me and those who are in the same position as me. When I was working at a huge development taking place at a renown school in Suva, I was let go because they had brought in some people from Bangladesh.
“All of the tradesmen that worked there were let go as well.
“This is unfair.”
