Agencies leave students ‘too cold’, welfare gaps exposed

Student recruitment agencies are sending Fijian students to Australia without proper welfare arrangements, leaving some struggling with basic needs such as accommodation and heating during winter, Parliament has been told.

Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) director Eci Naisele revealed yesterday that complaints had been received from students sent overseas through unregistered agencies, highlighting serious gaps in support and facilities.

Mr Naisele told the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights that students reported harsh conditions upon arrival, including the lack of classrooms, inadequate facilities and insufficient accommodation during cold weather.

He said some agencies recruit students by linking them to overseas institutions without formal agreements, then send them abroad without ensuring their welfare.

Mr Naisele said in several cases, agencies had no memoranda of understanding with either the overseas agents or the universities responsible for hosting the students.

He said the issue surfaced about two months ago following student complaints and reports from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, which also indicated that some agencies were evading taxes.

Key concerns raised include the lack of proper accommodation for students overseas, the absence of welfare agreements between recruitment agents and universities, and agencies operating without meeting regulatory and tax obligations.

Mr Naisele said the commission is seeking provisions in the proposed Education Bill to regulate student recruitment agencies and protect Fijian students studying overseas.

He said HECF has already engaged with key stakeholders, including FRCS, the Fiji National Provident Fund, Police, Immigration and the human trafficking department, to address the issue.

The commission says stronger regulation is needed to ensure students sent abroad are safe, supported and not left vulnerable due to poor oversight.