CRC hears call for language tests for foreign workers

Foreign workers seeking employment in Fiji should meet the same language standards that Fijians are required to satisfy when working overseas, the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) heard in Lautoka.

Joseph Williams made the call during public consultations on the review of the 2013 Constitution today, arguing that foreign workers seeking employment in Fiji should be required to demonstrate competency in at least one of the country's official languages, just as Fijians are required to meet language requirements when applying to work in countries such as Australia or New Zealand.

Mr Williams said the issue had become increasingly apparent through his work with work permit applications, where concerns had been raised about some foreign workers, who struggle to communicate in English while working in Fiji.

He told the commission that while countries such as Australia and New Zealand require Fijians to undergo English language testing before they are allowed to work there, Fiji does not impose similar requirements on many foreign workers entering the country.

“Fiji should have the same standard for overseas people coming into the country,” Mr Williams said.

He said Fiji's Constitution recognises English, iTaukei and Fiji Hindi as official languages, but there is no clear constitutional provision requiring non-citizens entering the workforce to demonstrate competency in any of them.

Mr Williams proposed that the Constitution explicitly authorise language and literacy requirements for foreign workers to prevent legal challenges based on discrimination provisions and to strengthen immigration controls.

According to Mr Williams, the current immigration framework focuses largely on employer requirements such as company registration and bond payments, while paying little attention to whether workers can effectively communicate in the workplace.

He argued that language barriers could create serious occupational health and safety risks, particularly in industries where workers need to understand instructions, safety procedures and emergency warnings.

“Requiring foreign workers to have a verifiable command of at least one of Fiji’s official languages would help protect public safety and strengthen labour standards in Fiji,” Mr Williams said.