Employers warned over illegal workers

The Ministry of Immigration has warned that employers who hire workers without valid permits commit a serious offence under the law.

The warning follows the ministry’s recent public release of a list of people who have overstayed their visas, aimed at helping authorities locate illegal workers and identify employers who have failed to meet their obligations.

Permanent secretary for Immigration Aliki Salusalu said investigations had uncovered cases where workers entered Fiji legally but are now working illegally after their permits expired or were not renewed.

“Employing workers without valid permits is a serious offence,” Mr Salusalu said. “Employers must take responsibility.”

Since the list was made public, Immigration has received reports from employers explaining the whereabouts of affected workers and the reasons permits were not renewed.

“Some workers left their approved job sites and moved to other locations without informing us,” Mr Salusalu said. “That is one reason permits expire.”

Work permits are usually renewed every three years, and employers are required to monitor expiry dates and notify Immigration of any changes to a worker’s job or location.

Mr Salusalu said some overstayers entered Fiji for work or investment, while others arrived claiming marriage, partnerships or personal reasons but later attempted to remain without updating their visa status.

“If a person’s work, visa conditions or location changes, Immigration must be informed,” he said.

Beyond enforcement, Immigration is also concerned about worker welfare, including cases where workers may be exploited or trafficked.

“We want to make sure workers are safe, their rights are protected, and their working conditions are fair,” Mr Salusalu said.

The ministry is now working closely with employers to either regularise affected workers or take enforcement action where breaches are found.

Mr Salusalu stressed that while Fiji remains open to foreign workers and investors, the law must be followed.

“People are welcome in Fiji,” he said. “But no one is above the law.”

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