The number of Fijian seasonal workers for New Zealand and Australia has been increasing since 2015.

This was confirmed by the Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports Parveen Bala in Parliament yesterday.

Fijians deployed to New Zealand since February 2015 total 946.

In 2015, 46 Fijians went on the seasonal workers programme while 228 in 2016, 284 in 2017, 386 in 2018 and 2 Fijians as of January 31, 2019.

Fijians deployed to Australia since April 2015 total 748.

In 2015, 137 Fijians went on the seasonal workers programme while there were 85 in 2016, 214 in 2017, 297 in 2018 and 15 as of January 31, 2019.

Mr Bala said his officers were currently in Levuka to interview potential seasonal workers. He added that since 2015 there has been an increase in seasonal workers and employers.

Mr Bala said Fijians that came back from Australia and New Zealand used their savings to invest in yaqona farming, home extensions, setting up of canteen businesses and contributed to village development.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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