Around 270 cases involving workers identified as potential victims of human trafficking or forced labour have been investigated in Fiji over the past five years, as authorities warn that digital recruitment scams are making exploitation more difficult to detect.
Speaking during a panel discussion to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at the University of the South Pacific this week, Immigration Manager West Laisa Satala says investigations over the past five years have revealed high levels of exploitation involving people who were promised jobs in Fiji.
She says workers are often lured by promises of decent employment before being exploited.
She says one of the key indicators of human trafficking is where workers are charged recruitment fees before they even begin employment.
Satala says the Ministry of Employment is working closely with other government agencies to investigate these cases and, where necessary, facilitate the return of victims to their countries of origin.
Satala also revealed that authorities are currently investigating an active case involving workers who were recruited online from another country and brought to Fiji under false promises of employment.
Satala adds that the fishing industry remains one of the sectors most vulnerable to exploitation because much of the work takes place at sea, away from public scrutiny.
She says the ministry is working with the International Labour Organization and civil society organisations through a technical working group to address labour exploitation in this sector.
Satala says Fiji is strengthening its response through improved legislation, stronger investigations and closer collaboration between government agencies.
She says work is progressing on Fiji's draft Migration Policy, which includes measures to promote fair and ethical recruitment and address recruitment fees.
Satala says authorities are also developing a mobile application that will allow migrant workers to quickly access information and support services, including contacts for the Police, Immigration and the Ministry of Employment.
She says improving partnerships, prevention, protection, prosecution and public awareness remains central to Fiji's efforts to combat human trafficking.
