Fijians are in high demand in the Australian hospitality and tourism labour market.

Ausphin, an accredited Australian operator that trains and recruits skilled migrant workers for the Australian market, made the comment yesterday as it launched its Suva recruitment drive.

Attended by over 100 registered participants, the face-to-face session was held at Tiri Restaurant, Fiji National University, Nasese.

Led by Turkish-born business leader, Tolga Yilmaz, the company established an office in Nadi in recent months, as a facilitation centre for job seekers joining the Australian labour market.

In the last three months, the company has recruited 50-employees from Fiji to join the Australian labour market.

By next year, that figure is expected to increase to 1,000 workers, Mr Yilmaz said.

“What we promise is what we deliver – and we got their visa’s delivered,” he said.

Mr Yilmaz is the director of programmes and compliance of the Australian registered migration agency.

A migrant himself, Mr Yilmaz is aware of the concerns and challenges surrounding the recruitment processes.

The turnaround time for applications is an average of four weeks, where applicants pay a package sum of around $15,000, Mr Yilmaz said.

“Australians want Fijians to be in Australia at the quickest time possible,” Mr Yilmaz said.

“Fijians have the right attitude – smile, gratitude – it’s the perfect marriage of the Fijians and the Australian employer.”

“Australia needs skilled migrants more than ever.”

“Australians need Fijians more than the Fijians need Australia, because the recovery from the pandemic is remarkable with people spending money they saved during the pandemic.”

“However, there are not enough people for the employment sector.”

Australian Immigration Authorities Ready
Mr Yilmaz said the Australian employment rate was around 3.75%, and was expected to lower to three per cent – the lowest in 50 years.

“That shows alot of opportunities for migrants,” he said.

Australia’s skilled migrant intake is expected to increase 79,600 to 110,000 later this year, marking a 37.5% increase in skilled migrants.

“That’s indicative of the state of readiness taken by the immigration authorities for those wanting to come to Australia for a temporary or permanent basis,” Mr Yilmaz said.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj