‘Conviction can stop seasonal workers’

Any conviction lodged against seasonal workers will be the end of their overseas employment contract, warns the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh.

He cautioned seasonal workers to avoid getting caught in criminal activities which could affect their employment and travel opportunities.

Mr Singh responded to a complaint where three seasonal workers from Tavea Island, Bua, who are working in New Zealand, were allegedly drunk and abusive in an inter-island vessel on Christmas Day.

They were charged with the count of drunk and disorderly by police in Nabouwalu.

A passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed fear on the vessel because of the drunkard behaviours of the three seasonal workers.

Under the current work policy of the New Zealand and Australia governments, Mr Singh said any conviction relegated any overseas job opportunity.

Even if these seasonal workers reapply, they would not be allowed, Mr Sigh said.

“We are working now with the authorities such as the Ministry of Justice and the two High Commissioners to address this matter of offences,” he said.

Other offences such as traffic infringements and speeding could hinder employment opportunities.

“To those applying to work overseas under the seasonal workers scheme, they should register and reveal any past convictions.

“So, if someone like a teenage had a past minor traffic offense or drunkard or disorderly behaviour, it prohibits him. We are trying our best to address these types of concerns,” Mr Singh said..

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