Fijians in Australia under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme (PALM) cannot save money because of over-expectation from their families in Fiji.

This was revealed last week in Parliament by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh.

He said efforts to formulate a saving culture for the workers were being carried out.

“We impress upon families to make sure that the culture of saving is observed,” Mr Singh said.

“The workers know that they are going to benefit from their savings at the end of the period they are working there.”

In some cases, there was no remittance for families back home. Mr Singh said.

“We are now in the process of discussion with employers to get a Deed of Consent between the employer and the worker,” he said.

“The employer can deduct a certain amount and send it directly.”

There are other pressing issues the ministry is dealing with, he said.

Research conducted by the National Employment Centre (NEC) found 65 Fijians in the scheme had extra-marital affairs since 2019.

“Issues such as this, dealing with human values and behaviour, are beyond our control,” he said.

“However, the concern raised requires an understanding of such human behaviour.

In a bid to eliminate such issues, Mr Singh said country liaison officers had been appointed.

“We have established a Senior Officials Working Group between Fiji and Australian,” he said.

“We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, to support information sharing.”

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