Fijians stay put despite Middle East conflict fears

Fijians working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are choosing to stay in the Middle East despite on-going conflict and Government travel warnings fearing the possibility of losing their jobs if they come home.

This was highlighted by Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka yesterday adding that Fijians were making a deliberate choice to remain.

“Those who stay there, they stay there because they want to remain there,” Mr Ditoka said.

“Some of them are staying because of work opportunities, they feel that if they come back, they might lose out on the work opportunities that they already have, especially in the UAE,” he said.

The UAE, a wealthy Gulf nation attracts hundreds of thousands of foreign workers and is one of the most popular destinations for Pacific islanders seeking overseas employment. Remittance sent by Fijians working abroad is a vital source of income for families back home.

Mr Ditoka said both the UAE and Israeli governments had given Fiji reassurance that its citizens were safe and being looked after.

“They are protected and they protect them just as much as they protect their own citizens,” he said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained a Level 4 travel advisory its highest alert for the UAE, Israel, and several other Middle Eastern countries since April 16, urging Fijians to avoid all travel to the region, including transit. No Fijian has requested evacuation.

Fiji is working with Australia and New Zealand on possible evacuation flights if there is a need.