Fiji seasonal workers reaping benefits for unskilled work in Australia and NZ

Fiji’s Minister for Employment Opportunities has informed Parliament of the benefits unskilled Fijian workers are reaping from the seasonal work scheme with Australia and New Zealand.

Jone Usamate responding to a question in Parliament Wednesday said Fijian workers that have returned from Australia and New Zealand with a saving of FJ$20,000 (US$10,000) on average.

“This is after all their deductions, for the hardworking Fijian workers that have returned. One of the workers, from Matuku saved FJ$26,000 (US$19,000).

“Seasonal work in Australia in New Zealand has been one of successful employment opportunities for our people working overseas, said Minister Usamate.

He revealed that requests have also been made for skilled workers to fill jobs in the tourism industry in Australia.

“We currently have 15 working in hotels in Queensland and 15 of our carpenters are assisting with the rebuilding of Christchurch in New Zealand.

Apart from seasonal workers, Fiji is also actively engaged in skilled labour mobility within the Pacific region.

“Currently, we have 47 retired teachers are working in a number of Pacific Countries. This is part of the Fiji Government’s commitment to assist our friends in the Pacific.

Minister Usamate told Parliament the Government of Tuvalu has trough the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested placement for retired nurses.

“We are continuing to receive Vanuatu and other Pacific countries for our retired civil servants. Under this exercise we are creating a pool of retirees that can be engaged in employment opportunities outside Fiji, said Usamate.

Under the Fiji Volunteer Scheme, retired teachers are working in Marshall Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. SOURCE: PACNEWS