106 families are set to be reunited with their loved ones, who have been working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, a move aimed at easing the social impacts of prolonged family separation.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh today at Suva Civic Centre during the launch of the First Family Accompaniment Pre-Departure Briefing for Fijian family members.
Singh says the ground breaking initiative will allow Fijian workers to reunite with their families, offering them much-needed support.
He says this initiative is a significant step towards reducing the social and emotional toll of long-term separation and it aims to assist families in adjusting to a new environment, helping them navigate potential challenges such as culture shock.
Singh stressed the importance of families being good ambassadors of Fiji, urging them to uphold the rule of law in Australia.
He pleaded with them and says for them to consider future opportunities for other families hoping to join their loved ones in Australia, as they will set a benchmark for the success of the program.
Singh says Fiji has the highest number of families approved by the Australian Government in the Pacific for this initiative because Fijians are known for their industrious nature and strong sense of community, which he believes makes them excellent candidates for such programs.
The week-long training will conclude this Friday, after which the necessary paper work for the selected families will be processed.
