The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, through the Department of Immigration, in collaboration with the Fiji Police Force has started a thorough investigation into the statement made by Carpenters Fiji Limited Managing Director Daniel Whippy, where he alleged the retention of immigrant workers' passports.
While speaking at the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Fijian Economy organised by Dialogue Fiji, Whippy had said Fiji has been recruiting employees from Bangladesh, Philippines and now we are trying to get India and workers from South East Asia.
He says now they are bringing in butchers from Bangladesh, bakers and mechanics from Philippines.
Whippy had further said that one thing in importing or getting workers from overseas, is that an employer is guaranteed that they will be there at 8 o’clock in the morning to 5 o’clock Friday afternoon and they are going to work overtime.
He adds Carpenters Fiji houses them, pays their fares, employers are guaranteed 100% attendance and they keep their passports.
He also said there is not a lot of opportunities in Fiji and urged the Ministry of Education to look into the education curriculum children are studying as it has become generic.
Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua says they have been made aware of concerns regarding Carpenters Fiji Limited and their alleged practice of retaining passports belonging to immigrant workers.
Tikoduadua says he wishes to address these allegations and assures all Fijians that the government takes such matters seriously and is committed to upholding the rights and welfare of all individuals residing in Fiji, including migrant workers.
The Minister emphasises that such actions are in clear contravention of the labour laws in Fiji, which prohibits the withholding of passports by employers.
He says Fiji is resolute in its commitment to enforcing these laws and ensuring the protection of all workers, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
He adds their top priority is to determine the veracity of the claims and take appropriate action to address any violation of the law.
Tikoduadua says the country prides itself on being a nation that values diversity, fairness and respect for all individuals, including those who have chosen Fiji as their second home.
He says Fiji's migrant workers play a significant role in the development and growth of our nation and we owe them the utmost care and protection.
The Minister adds that any exploitation and mistreatment of workers, including the retention of passports, will not be tolerated.
He is urging anyone who may have information or evidence related to this matter to come forward and cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and the people's support in upholding the rights and well-being of all workers is crucial in maintaining the integrity and fairness of Fiji's labour market.
He says the Ministry is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, are treated with dignity and respect.
Tikoduadua adds that they will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to address any violation and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
He also assured all Fijians that they will provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation as it unfolds.
Carpenters Fiji Limited is expected to provide a statement today in regards to the statement made by Whippy.
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