As one of the 150 workers selected under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme, Sumeet Prasad was ready to make the most of his opportunity.

Especially since it could improve his family’s standard of living.

As one of the many Fijians who had lost his job because of COVID-19 pandemic, he has since been seeking employment. Yesterday, his wait ended.

He is expected to depart for Australia next week for fruit picking on a three-year contract.

The 31-year-old of Delai, Labasa said: “I was incredibly happy when I got this opportunity because not everyone is lucky enough to have a job overseas all the time.

“I am going alone, and this will be the first time I’ll be going overseas, but my family will support me.

“I am very close to my mum; I would like to keep in touch with her every day when abroad.”

Waqani reaps reward

Two-time recipient, Laitia Waqani’s decision to apply to work overseas has paid off.

Hailing from Deladamanu Village in Naitasiri, he used to sell pineapple slices around the capital city to earn a living.

Mr Waqani went to New Zealand under the scheme for fruit picking in 2019 and again in 2021 in the hopes of providing a better life for his wife and their 11-year-old daughter.

Today, he owns an $18,000 worth of house and has also saved $30,000 for his daughter’s education.

Mr Waqani said he followed the plan he had set before he left for overseas.

“My target was to save money for my daughter’s education and bank it,” he said.

“After I came back in 2019, I built my own house and then in the second time I had extended the house with a kitchen and a bulk room and also modified my house with double walls.”

Despite his achievement, Mr Waqani believes, one should not forget their struggles.

“I came to Suva by bus on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to sell pineapple slices in the container around Suva,” he said.

“One day some of the staff from the National Employment Centre (NEC) asked if I wanted to apply and work overseas, so I grabbed the opportunity.

“Other than selling pineapples, I used to plant and sell dalo and ginger in Suva sometimes to earn an income.

“My advice to those who are currently working under the same scheme is to make use of the opportunity they got, not forgetting the hardships they faced.”

How To Apply For Seasonal Worker Scheme

• Applicants must live in a rural area which has to be confirmed by the advisory council or provincial areas.
• The settlements or villages select their representatives, endorsed by a provincial office or advisory council for rural settlements and then sent to the Permanent Secretary for approval.
• These people will then need to register at the National Employment Centre.
• Requirements are birth certificate, passport size photo, passport, tax identification number (TIN number), vaccination card (double jab).
• All of these documents need to be certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP).
• After the advisory councilor or provincial office had endorsed the list of names, it can be sent to the Permanent Secretary along with the request at the Civic House addressed to the PS or emailed to ocawaru@govnet.gov.fj

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