Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Jone Usamate says that the villages and settlements that have been banned from the Seasonal Worker Programme in Australia and New Zealand were already warned not to damage Fiji’s reputation when they were selected.
This comes after the major announcement made by Usamate that the government has imposed a four year ban on some villages and settlements who were reported to be misbehaving.
We asked Usamate why the whole village or settlement has been banned for four years after the actions of a few from the area.
Speaking from Korea, Usamate says the decision to suspend workers and their villages and settlements is not a sudden or new decision made by Government but was clearly conveyed to them during the Ministry’s Tikina based recruitment and consultations nationwide.
The reports revealed that the issues raised by the NZ employers are alcohol related, failing to report to work, not showing respect, poor leadership, unhygienic living, high absenteeism and undue influence from the Fijian community in New Zealand.
The following villages/settlements are now put on a 4 year suspension from participating in the seasonal work scheme: Tuatua of Tikina Mudu in Lomaiviti; Dogoru of Tikina Wailevu, Nubu/Sasa of Tikina Nadogo, Vitina of Tikina Dogotuki, Lomaloma of Tikina Seaqaqa in Macuata; Makolei of Tikina Solevu, Nasolo of Tikina Nadi in Bua; Nakobo of Tikina Cakaudrove, Vatukaroa & Natuvu of Tikina Saqani in Cakaudrove; Davetalevu / Matacula / Nakorovou of Tikina Namalata, Nadrano / Lawaki of Tikina Namena, Luvunavuaka / Natalaira of Tikina Dawasamu, Nabulini of Tikina Nailega, Namoka / Natuvatuvavatu / Nayavu of Tikina Nayavu, Naivicula of Tikina Naloto, Natuva of Tikina Taivugalei, Dakuinuku of Tikina Sawakasa in Tailevu; Nadala of Tikina Savatu in Ba; and Wauosi of Tikina Namataku in Navosa .
The suspension is effective immediately.
Consultations are currently being held in the provinces of Rewa and Naitasiri, on the need to select the right people who can build Fiji’s reputation.
The re-engagement of workers from the affected villages/settlements will be reviewed again after the four year ban.
