Govt backs returned PALM workers into entrepreneurship
Government initiative aims to turn overseas experience, savings and skills into sustainable businesses
Thursday 13 August 2026 | 09:30
Updated 13 August 2026 | 11:20 FJT
Participants who completed a three-day Generate Your Business Idea and Start Your Business programme in Suva are pictured with the permanent secretary for Commerce and Business Development, Dr Radhika Kumar.
Photo: Milika Rabulu
Seventy-one returned seasonal workers have received entrepreneurship training aimed at helping them turn their overseas work experience, savings and skills into sustainable businesses in Fiji.
The latest 18 participants, nine returned seasonal workers and nine potential MSME entrepreneurs, completed a three-day Generate Your Business Idea and Start Your Business programme in Suva.
The group, comprising 11 women and seven men, received certificates at a ceremony attended by representatives from the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, the Pacific Labour Mobility Support Programme (PMSP) and the Ministry’s MSME Fiji Unit.
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The training is part of the Government’s efforts to ensure Fijians returning from overseas seasonal employment, particularly under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, can use their experience and resources to create income opportunities at home.
A ministry representative told participants that completing the training should be viewed as the beginning of their business journey.
“Starting and managing a business requires more than just a good idea. It requires confidence, discipline, planning, persistence and the ability to make informed decisions,” the representative said.
Participants were trained in identifying business opportunities, developing viable business ideas, business planning, financial management, understanding customers and markets, and assessing costs and risks.
Five training programmes have now been completed under the collaboration, including one in Nadi and four in Suva.
Further programmes are planned for the Northern and Western divisions.
The initiative is being delivered jointly by the Ministry’s MSME Fiji Unit, PMSP and the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.
The Government says the programme is intended to ensure the benefits of labour mobility extend beyond overseas employment by supporting returning workers to establish businesses and contribute to their families, communities and Fiji’s economy.
Participants were encouraged to continue developing their ideas, seek advice from relevant agencies and apply the skills gained through the programme.
Feedback: milika.rabulu@fijisun.com.fj
