The increasing role of labour mobility in the Pacific shows that over 100,000 Pacific Islanders have participated in labour schemes in Australia and New Zealand, showcasing the potential of labour mobility to enhance climate resilience.
This has been highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Maritino Nemani, who says that in June 2024, Fiji became the highest-sending country through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.
Nemani says Fiji is both a sending and receiving country for labour migrants, and it is time for such a policy to be developed.
He says those we seek to assist are none other than our brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, cousins, and friends.
The Permanent Secretary says we need comprehensive policies to protect them and ensure safe and dignified migration.
Nemani also highlighted that this week, the International Organization for Migration and the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, with the support of the International Labour Organization, facilitated Fiji’s first-ever Labour Mobility Policy consultation in Suva, marking a significant step in the country’s commitment to strengthening labour migration governance.
He adds that, with technical support from IOM Fiji and ILO through the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the three-day workshop reinforced regional progress and underscored Fiji’s dedication to ensuring safe, orderly, and inclusive labour mobility.
IOM Fiji Chief of Mission, Solomon Kantha also highlighted the importance of the consultation, stating that this initiative reflects their collective commitment to tackling labour mobility challenges and advancing the objectives of the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration.
The consultation marks the beginning of the policy development process, with national consultations planned for later this year.
