Three Nepalese trafficking victims under Immigration care

Three Nepalese nationals identified as victims of human trafficking and labour exploitation are currently under the care of the Department of Immigration, with the matter now before the courts.

The case was revealed by the department's manager of border security, Jese Cirikisuva, during a Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence hearing.

Mr Cirikisuva said the victims were brought to Fiji on promises of employment but were later subjected to exploitation by their employer.

“The employer brought them to Fiji to work but continued to exploit them by requiring them to undertake other activities,” he said.

“We were alerted to the situation and intervened to remove them from that environment. The matter is now before the courts.”

Mr Cirikisuva said the Department of Immigration acted after receiving information about the situation and worked to ensure the victims were removed from the exploitative environment.

He said the department continued to work closely with relevant agencies to monitor compliance with visa and permit conditions while ensuring employers met their obligations to foreign workers.

Mr Cirikisuva said employers must be held accountable for complying with employment standards and conditions set under Fiji's immigration and labour laws.