More Fijians could be working in the United Arab Emirates.

It follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the field of manpower with the United Arab Emirates.

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya and UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, officiated at the signing ceremony in Dubai.

“This MOU will provide a platform for Fijians to explore employment in the UAE,” a Government statement said.

It will also serve as a protection for Fijians engaged in formal employment in the UAE, the statement said.

“Fiji is a services driven economy, with tourism and remittance from Fijians working overseas forming a large part of our revenue,” Mr Koya said.

“As Fijians explore opportunities in countries and regions, such as the UAE, the Fijian Government through such MOUs has a mechanism in which the workers are recognised and provided adequate protection in the country of employment.”

Information Sharing
The Ministry of Employment is expected to establish a process of information sharing, and provide a channel of joint collaborative programmes, such as pre-departure and post-arrival awareness, he said.

Mr Awar said Fijians in the UAE continued to make significant contributions to the UAE and Fijian economies.

“The UAE looks forward to being home to more Fijians, in a favourable and conducive way”, Mr Awar said.

The MOU will be implemented by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Fijian Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations (MEPIR).

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