Children at risk of being neglected if both parents are engaged in overseas work schemes - Singh

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh says children left behind by their parents engaged under the overseas labour schemes are at risk of being neglected and exploited due to economic pressure put on them under the care of single parents or guardians.

Singh also reveals they are reviewing the recruitment and selection process to discourage the participation of both parents in the schemes.

While responding to the question by the Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran on the impact of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Programme towards the children of workers engaged under the programme and what the Ministry is doing to address these challenges, Singh says the absence of proper care and support exposes children to limited accessibility to education and health care.

He says the coalition government has seized the PALM Scheme and the New Zealand Seasonal Work Scheme as initiatives for economic benefits, empowerment and sustainable development through increasing remittances and skills enhancement to strengthen the economy.

The Minister says amidst the economic opportunities and contributions generated by the labour programmes, there exist significant challenges to children's welfare and protection, not only in Fiji but globally as well.

Singh adds that children face multiple challenges due to labour mobility, such as prolonged family separations, educational challenges, social isolation, emotional stress and lack of stability.

The Minister says a small number of parents also get involved in extra-marital affairs and neglect their families back at home.

He says it is important that we address the issue to ensure that the benefits of labour mobility do not come at the expense of vulnerable children, emphasising the need for comprehensive social policies and support systems to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Singh says the coalition government, through his ministry, is currently taking crucial steps to address this issue.

He adds these include, the expansion of the four-day pre-departure briefing to two weeks to be more comprehensive and include spouses as well as caregiver participation and family-focused sessions on family welfare and communication.

The Minister says reviewing client registration forms to include information on children of workers under the care of parents left behind or guardians to strengthen their data collection, enabling effective monitoring of children who may be exposed to vulnerable situations.