Do what is right for your workers - Rabuka

Following the law is one thing — but doing what is right for your workers is another.

This is the message shared by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to the employer of the 26 Bangladeshi workers who are being employed at a local supermarket in the Central Division.

Rabuka visited the foreign national workers during Parliament break this week in response to concerns about living conditions and employment contracts.

The Prime Minister met with the workers at the site and was informed about improper living conditions, insufficient food supplies, and alleged breaches of their employment contracts.

These foreign nationals have been employed at the supermarket for some time now, claiming the circumstances have restricted them from enjoying their work experience in Fiji.

Rabuka used the opportunity to convey his sincerest apologies on behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji for the unfortunate situation.

Even though proper immigration processes and employment laws have been adhered to by the employer, Rabuka emphasises the importance of ensuring better and adequate accommodation and living standards, among other important arrangements, for foreign nationals working in Fiji.

The Prime Minister also directed the Employment Minister and Minister for Immigration to investigate the matter.

He also called on the employer to urgently improve the workers’ living arrangements and uphold their basic welfare needs.

He says no worker should live in conditions that compromise their dignity.

Rabuka says we have Fijians working overseas, and we don’t want them to be ill-treated or treated unfairly.

He says we should also do the same for foreign nationals working in Fiji.

The Fiji Government remains committed to ensuring fair treatment of all foreign workers and upholding their fundamental human rights at all times.