FTUC raises alarm over inflow of foreign workers in Fiji

The Fiji Trade Union Congress is concerned about the large number of foreign workers coming into Fiji taking up jobs that could easily be done by locals.

FTUC National Secretary, Felix Anthony says it appears there is no control over who comes and whether companies have actually advertised and are unable to recruit workers locally.

Anthony says there are no checks and balances or criteria for approvals to bring in foreign workers since it is open season at the moment.

He says they have noticed foreign workers doing all kinds of jobs, even filling supermarket shelves.

The National Secretary says they are now witnessing a large number of Chinese workers employed in the Vatukoula Gold Mines replacing local workers.

He asks why is this allowed without any apparent controls since this is becoming a worrying trend now in Vatukoula.

He also highlighted that it is the same company that has constantly underpaid its workers and is unable to pay meal allowances, tool allowances and other entitlements.

Anthony says this is now becoming a reason why our workers who are displaced want to go abroad and work.

He adds they have also received many complaints from these foreign workers about them being exploited, contracts not being honoured, violation of their minimum standards and the level of intimidation.

He adds these workers are constantly threatened to be sent back if they do not like what is being offered by their employers.

The National Secretary says in fact they have little knowledge of what their entitlements are under the contract that they have entered into prior to coming here.

Anthony also highlighted that while we demand that our workers working abroad are treated fairly, we must ensure the same for foreign workers in Fiji.

He is also calling on the Ministry of Employment and the Immigration Department to better manage the inflow of foreign workers and ensure proper oversight.

He adds the reintroduction of a joint committee of the two Government departments to vet any application for bringing in foreign workers to work in Fiji.

Questions have been sent to the Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh.