Minister for Employment, Parveen Bala says they have so far successfully prosecuted three bogus agencies that were operating illegally and placing advertisements for overseas employment.
Bala says his Ministry is working with the Fiji Police Force to investigate bogus employment agencies.
He says these three individuals were fined by the Employment Relations Tribunal.
Bala confirms a person has been charged after he misled Fijians that their company will send them to the USA for employment and the Ministry managed to obtain 1,255 passports which has been given to the Immigration Department.
This person was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment where two months had to be served in prison and the remainder of the sentence was suspended.
Bala is urging Fijians not to pay money to anyone so they can arrange work for them in overseas under their labour mobility program.
He adds his Ministry has so far authorised only four employment agencies to operate in Fiji and are ensuring that Fijians are not misled or cheated by bogus agencies.
He says they are creating awareness programs to ensure all Fijians are made aware of the processes through which potential workers are recruited for overseas employment.
The Minister for Employment adds they are also working with the Solicitor General's office and other stakeholders to ensure relevant laws are enforced and matters are taken before the Employment Relations Tribunal.
You can call on toll free line 1535 to find more details on the registration of the employment agencies.
