Skilled workers are not giving advanced notice when leaving for work in Australia - Bala

Concerns have been raised by local employers that skilled employees are not giving advanced notice when they are leaving for Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme.

While speaking at a Pre-Departure Briefing, Minister for Employment Parveen Bala has urged those workers who are employed and are travelling under the scheme to give advanced notice to their employers so that arrangements can be made to replace them.

Bala also confirms that a steering committee will be setup to ensure local employers are not disadvantaged and concerns are addressed accordingly.

The Employment Minister has also encouraged workers travelling to Australia not to destroy the name and branding by the Fijian Government and to do as they are expected to in order to open doors for others who wish to work under the scheme.

He also says there has been comments on social media from some politicians that the contract aspect has not been revealed under the program, which is not true.

Bala says the workshop organised by the Ministry is to ensure everyone is given a chance to clear their doubts.

He also says he is making it very clear to people not to play politics with the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme.