More Fijian workers returning home as PALM contracts expire

The number of Fijians working in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has dropped to about 4,000 as hundreds complete their four-year contracts and return home.

Just over a year ago, the number stood at more than 5,000. Officials say the decline reflects the natural completion of long-term contracts signed four years ago, rather than a reduction in overseas employment opportunities.

Director of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Lui Mario, confirmed the figures during the 5th Labour Mobility Workshop in Suva yesterday.

He said many workers who left Fiji under long-term labour mobility arrangements have now reached the end of their contracts.

“Many of our long-term workers have completed their four years and have returned home,” Mr Mario said.

The shift is now placing greater focus on reintegration, ensuring workers who return are supported as they settle back into their communities and make use of their overseas earnings.

Mr Mario said reintegration must go beyond social adjustment and include economic stability, helping returning workers invest in businesses, housing, farming or other income-generating activities.

He acknowledged that while labour mobility continues to provide major economic benefits through remittances, proper planning is needed to ensure the long-term impact of the programme at home.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh said returning workers must be supported after their time overseas.

“Our workers make sacrifices overseas and contribute greatly to our economy. When they return, we must ensure they are guided and supported to rebuild and grow,” he said.

Labour mobility remains one of Fiji’s key economic pillars.

But as contracts expire and more workers return, attention is shifting from sending workers abroad to ensuring their return strengthens families, communities and the national economy.

Caption: Fijian working under the PALM scheme in Australia.