The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations is working through its Country Liaison Officers (CLOs) in Australia to establish contact with a Fijian national living in vulnerable circumstances in Sydney after disengaging from employment under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
The Ministry says it is also assessing what assistance may be available.
It confirms the worker was mobilised to Australia in 2023 for employment in the meat processing sector in Tamworth, New South Wales, and subsequently disengaged from his approved employment arrangements in 2024.
Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Jone Maritino Nemani, says the situation highlights the importance of workers remaining connected to the support systems available under the PALM Scheme.
He says participation in the scheme is both an opportunity and a responsibility.
Nemani says workers are selected through a competitive process and are expected to maintain satisfactory work performance, comply with workplace requirements and uphold the values and reputation of Fiji while employed overseas.
He adds that while workers may encounter personal, family, financial or social challenges while abroad, disengaging from approved employment arrangements should not be viewed as a solution.
The Permanent Secretary says the Ministry recognises that challenges can arise while workers are overseas; however, disengagement from employment is not the answer.
He says the Ministry has established clear avenues of support, including Country Liaison Officers, employer welfare representatives, counselling services and direct engagement with Ministry officials.
Nemani says workers experiencing difficulties should seek assistance early and make use of these support mechanisms.
He adds that the Ministry provides PALM workers with comprehensive pre-departure training, ongoing welfare support in Australia and access to dedicated Country Liaison Officers.
He says it also works closely with Australian authorities, approved employers and community partners, including Empower Pacific and faith-based organisations, to support workers and their families.
Nemani says significant safeguards and support pathways have been established by both the Australian and Fijian governments, in consultation with key stakeholders, to assist workers facing difficulties while overseas.
He says these include welfare interventions, counselling support and, where appropriate, redeployment opportunities with alternative approved employers.
The Permanent Secretary adds that workers are strongly encouraged to engage with these processes rather than disengage from the programme.
Nemani says the Ministry conducts welfare visits to PALM and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in Australia and New Zealand twice each year.
He says these visits allow officials to engage directly with workers, hear their concerns, assess their wellbeing and ensure they remain aware of the support available to them.
Nemani says this reflects the Ministry's commitment to supporting Fijians wherever they are working.
He also says that when workers disengage from their employment, cease communication with authorities or fail to seek assistance, opportunities for intervention and support become significantly limited.
He adds that staying connected is critical to ensuring workers receive the help they need.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged that the overwhelming majority of Fijian workers participating in the PALM Scheme continue to demonstrate professionalism, resilience, commitment and a strong work ethic.
He says thousands of Fijian workers are successfully supporting their families, contributing to their communities and serving as positive ambassadors for Fiji abroad.
Nemani says their success reflects the values of hard work, responsibility and accountability that underpin the PALM Scheme.
The Ministry is encouraging members of the public and Fijian communities abroad to report concerns involving vulnerable workers directly to the Ministry or Country Liaison Officers so that timely assistance can be provided.
It says it remains committed to supporting workers facing genuine difficulties while reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility, accountability and adherence to programme requirements to ensure the continued success of Fiji's labour mobility programmes and the wellbeing of workers and their families.
