PALM scheme, seasonal worker registrations to open on Friday

Unemployed Fijians will have the chance to register for work opportunities in Australia and New Zealand when the Ministry of Employment opens applications under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes on Friday, August 22.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Maritino Nemani, said registrations will be conducted nationwide through the National Employment Centre (NEC).

“Eligibility is strictly limited to unemployed Fijian citizens aged between 21 and 45 years with no source of income. The Ministry strongly advises that currently employed individuals must not resign from their jobs to register, as selection is not guaranteed,” Mr Nemani said.

He stressed that recruitment will be guided by employer requirements and program standards, with priority sectors including aged care, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, hospitality and tourism, meat works, and referrals from Approved Employers.

Each sector has set caps to ensure quality recruitment.

For example, aged care will open to 300 qualified certificate holders, the driver category requires valid licences with at least three years’ experience, and hospitality will open to 300 unemployed individuals.

Certified halal workers and employer referrals will also be accommodated under specific quotas.

"Applicants must provide original or certified documents, including their birth certificate, passport, curriculum vitae, academic certificates, and two character references.

"All documents must be verified by a Justice of the Peace, Provincial Administrator, or Commissioner of Oaths. Once sector targets are reached, no further registrations will be accepted. Any applicant found providing false information will be excluded from future opportunities,” Mr Nemani said.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and fairness in all recruitment and selection processes.

“The Ministry calls on all interested applicants to carefully review the eligibility criteria and register responsibly. Members of the public are encouraged to contact the nearest NEC office for further information and updates,” he said.