Returning PALM workers encouraged to start businesses

The Government is encouraging returning Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers to start their own businesses and use the skills they gained overseas to build their futures in Fiji.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh highlighted the initiative in response to a recent World Bank call for Pacific Island governments to provide greater support for seasonal workers returning home.

Earlier this month, the World Bank's Lead Economist for the Pacific, Ralph Van Doorn, said that while the PALM scheme was benefiting families through employment opportunities and remittances, more support was needed to help workers reintegrate after returning to their home countries.

Mr Singh said the Ministry had introduced programmes aimed at helping returning workers maximise the benefits of their overseas experience.

“We provide them with financial literacy so that they can start their own businesses, they can improve their living standards, and also encouraging them to continue with the skills that they have acquired, use those skills to work here in Fiji,” Mr Singh said.

He said support begins before workers leave Fiji and continues after they return.

Mr Singh said pre-departure training had been expanded to include spouses and family members, while a reintegration programme was also in place to assist returning workers.

He added that remittances from Fijians working overseas continued to grow and were making an important contribution to the economy.

“Remittances are increasing every year,” he said, adding that this was helping Fiji’s economy.

The PALM scheme allows Fijians to work in Australia in sectors experiencing labour shortages, while gaining skills and earning income that can be invested back home.