Fijian workers recruited by the Papua New Guinea (PNG) branch of Paladin Solutions are likely to leave before the end of the week.

This was confirmed to the Fiji Sun yesterday by the Fiji agent Sireli Tamanitoakula.

“They are now waiting for their visas,” he said.

Mr Tamanitoakula said the company had launched the visa application in PNG.

“I was told by the company yesterday that the visa application had been done,” he said.

He added – “I’m hoping to receive the visas before the end of the week.”

Mr Tamanitoakula said this was a working visa.

The Minister for Employment Jone Usamate had confirmed to the Fiji Sun that the ministry had helped to facilitate their travel.

On the recruitment, Mr Tamanitoakula said some new recruits had been included who were oriented and trained for the operation.

“There are also former military, police and Corrections officers who had helped in training the group,” he said.

In 2014 – 2016 the company employed five Fijians who were operation managers on Manus Island.

On the work condition, Mr Tamanitoakula said within a month, they would work for 18 days and 12 days off.

“After three months, they have a month off and they can come to Fiji if they want to,” he said.

Their contract he said was for one year.

The people at Manus Island according to Mr Tamanitoakula have high respect for Fijians as they are well versed with their jobs.

He said there were two teams within the group – a worship and an entertainment team.

The Fiji Office in PNG is aware of this contract.

Meanwhile The Guardian has reported that detainees on Manus Island have launched legal action over the closure of Australia’s immigration detention centre, claiming their constitutionally protected human rights are being breached by the removal of basic services including water and electricity.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika