A total of 1,594 employers owe $8 million in contributions to the Fiji National Provident Fund.
This has been confirmed by CEO Jaoji Koroi when questioned by Fijivillage on the issue.
Koroi says some of these employers are repeat offenders, some are already facing legal action while some have been facing financial problems.
He says some are not aware of the FNPF Act and their responsibilities and this is being addressed through awareness and engagement to ensure they fulfil their obligations.
Koroi explained that FNPF is alerted when members lodge complaints of non‑payment of contributions, or when employers don’t submit their contribution schedules and also through routine inspection by their teams.
The CEO further stated that FNPF is taking necessary actions to recover arrears from employers.
He says a penalty waiver is currently in place and is valid until 31st December, 2018.
Koroi says during this 3‑month period, employers are encouraged to come forward and clear their dues and resolve disputes or clear suspense in order to get full waiver on penalties.
He adds that employers must understand that FNPF payment is a statutory obligation and they are liable for FNPF contributions.
Koroi says employers who are unable to clear their outstanding contributions should let FNPF know before the deadline and they will be considered on a case by case basis.
He says FNPF has forged strategic alliances with regulatory authorities, government ministries and financial institutions to ensure that employers meet their statutory obligation.
