Around 400 Fijian workers have absconded from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, prompting Fiji’s Ministry of Employment to warn that such actions could jeopardise future overseas job opportunities for thousands of workers.
As per fijivillage, Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Jone Maritino Nemani said while most Fijian workers continue to perform well under the scheme, those who leave approved employers without authorisation risk damaging Fiji’s reputation with Australian authorities and employers.
“While around 400 workers have disengaged from the PALM Scheme, not all cases involved absconding as some had genuine workplace issues.”
He said the ministry had been working closely with Australian authorities and employers to address cases of concern, with more than 200 workers successfully re-engaged after assessments of their circumstances.
However, Nemani warned that workers who commit serious breaches or offences under the program cannot return to the scheme.
He said absconding triggers stricter compliance measures and closer scrutiny from Australian authorities, making it harder for future Fijians to secure overseas employment opportunities.
Nemani urged workers facing workplace issues to raise concerns through Fiji’s Country Liaison Officers or relevant Australian agencies rather than leaving their employment without approval.
He added that each disengaged worker is assessed individually by Australia’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and only those who meet eligibility requirements are allowed to re-enter the scheme.
The PALM scheme has become a key source of income for Fijian families, providing employment, skills development and higher earnings, and officials have urged workers to respect contractual obligations to maintain access to overseas opportunities.
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