Around 20 of the 740 businesses currently employing foreign workers in Fiji have been linked to breaches of workers’ rights.
This was revealed by Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation CEO Edward Bernard, who says the majority of employers are doing the right thing despite increased scrutiny.
Bernard says businesses are facing increasing challenges in finding enough local workers with the necessary skills, which is forcing many to look overseas to keep their factories and operations running.
He highlights that hiring foreign workers is not a cheap option, with employers required to cover airfares, recruitment fees, and other upfront costs, amounting to an estimated average of $3,000 per worker before they even arrive in the country.
INSERT: Bernard on foreign workers 29th Jan
The CEO stresses that not all employers are acting in bad faith and that efforts are underway to ensure foreign workers are treated fairly and provided with decent working conditions.
Meanwhile, Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has acknowledged the growing debate over the increasing use of Bangladeshi and other foreign workers, amid claims that some employers prefer overseas labour due to concerns about the productivity and health-related absenteeism of local workers.
Singh says that under the current system, employers are required to first advertise vacancies locally, and that only when it is proven that no suitable local worker is available with the required skills or qualifications, approval is granted to recruit workers from overseas.
He stressed that protecting employment opportunities for locals remains a priority, but acknowledged that businesses also need timely access to skilled workers to remain operational and competitive.
He says the Ministry aims to strike a balance between safeguarding local employment and meeting the needs of employers so that businesses can continue to function effectively.
He stressed that the issue must be viewed as a shared responsibility between workers, employers, and the government.
INSERT: Singh on treatment of foreign workers 29th Jan
Singh says the Ministry has taken steps to improve conditions for local workers, including increasing the minimum wage to make employment more attractive.
He says they are working to ensure that all workers are treated fairly, receive their entitled wages and benefits, and are expected to fulfil their responsibilities in return.
He is urging employers not to short-change workers and to ensure all benefits are paid to maintain productivity.
On the treatment of Bangladeshi workers, Singh made it clear that the law applies equally to everyone, whether they are foreign or local.
He says the Ministry of Employment collaborates closely with the Ministry of Immigration and other agencies through joint task forces to conduct inspections and ensure decent accommodation and fair working conditions.
Singh says complaints are addressed promptly and warned that the government will continue to take strong action against employers who breach labour laws.
