More than $6.9 million has been paid out to 590 victims of workplace and school accidents since June 2024, highlighting the scale of injuries affecting Fijian workers and students across the country.
This was revealed by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh while responding to the President’s address in Parliament.
Singh says the compensation payouts reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring injured workers and students receive timely financial support while strengthening workplace safety systems.
He adds that improving labour protection remains a key priority for the Ministry as it continues to modernise employment standards and workplace safety regulations.
The Minister also emphasises that employment remains the most sustainable pathway out of poverty, particularly as many Fijian families continue to face the rising cost of living.
Singh highlights that the national minimum wage was progressively increased from $4 to $5 between 2024 and 2025 to help workers cope with cost-of-living pressures.
In addition to wage reforms, the Ministry has resolved 484 labour complaints in the past seven months, recovering more than $795,000 in unpaid wages for affected workers.
Singh says labour mobility programmes also continue to support households, with more than 2,000 Fijians participating in overseas work schemes in 2025, contributing to remittances that now exceed $1 billion.
He adds that the government is also preparing Fiji’s workforce for the future through expanded apprenticeship programmes, technical and vocational training, and the development of a National Future of Work Strategy.
The Minister says strengthening worker protection, improving wages and expanding employment opportunities will remain central to addressing poverty and improving the wellbeing of Fijian families.
