The government has reviewed and approved for the increase in meal allowances and overtime allowances for civil servants.
This came into effect from yesterday.
In a statement, the Attorney‑General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that the increase in meal allowance from $9.00 to $20.00 is to compensate civil servants working beyond official hours and out of stations.
Sayed-Khaiyum said the review for the increase in meal allowances is part and parcel of ongoing civil service reforms.
The last increase for meal allowances for all civil servants was raised from $7.50 to $9.00 in 2006.
He says they have also reviewed overtime allowances which will be based on the Salary Band of an officer rather than on Salary Scale which was previously the case and it will apply to both substantial and acting positions.
Previously, only civil servants who earned less than $24,667 annually were eligible for overtime.
Under the new system, civil servants excluding teachers that have an annual salary of $30,515.63 or below are now eligible for overtime allowances.
The Attorney‑General further stated that as part of the reform, the Government recognises the long hours that nurses work and registered nurses that have a salary of $36,103.75 are also eligible for overtime.
He highlighted that the review by government took into account various factors including Fiji's socio‑economic position, the need to modernise Fiji's civil service, the need to bring in and retain civil servants based on merit and performance and to align to the prevailing market conditions.
