Mr Veibete said he had struggled to provide for his children since his wife died four years ago. His youngest child is in preschool.

Minister Mosese Bulitavu says skilled tradespeople are needed to support infrastructure, housing and resilience projects across Fiji.

The individual reportedly attempted to collect school documents and requested money from school officials.

Mr Radrodro said the clause was taken out of the Bill’s initial draft after submissions were heard by the parliamentary committee.

Mr Radrodro did not provide a figure for the number of unfilled teaching vacancies nationwide in his written response.

Parliament was told the principals had been referred to headquarters following misconduct allegations and staffing reviews.