Teacher transfers still pending

Some teachers across Fiji have started the new school year facing uncertainty over their official postings, as delays in transfer and ap­pointment letters from the Ministry of Education con­tinue days after schools reopened.

Some teachers were ver­bally informed late last year that they would be transferred for the 2026 school year, while others, including newly graduated teachers, are still waiting for official appointment let­ters.

In an interview, FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar

Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) general secretary, Paula Manumanutoga, said teachers were being placed in an unfair position, ex­pected to continue teaching while lacking formal con­firmation of their postings.

"Some teachers have been told they are being trans­ferred, but they still have not received their transfer letters," Mr Manumanu­toga said.

However, a teacher who had already packed and left their previous school, later discovered they had no of­ficial transfer confirmation and could not start at their new school.

"What we are telling our members is not to leave un­less they have their letter. But there are many cases where teachers have al­ready packed and left, only to find they have no official transfer confirmation," Mr Manumanutoga said.

Mr Manumanutoga said the uncertainty had caused emotional stress and finan­cial strain, particularly for teachers with families who had already made relocation arrangements.

The Fijian Teachers Union (FTU) said the delays should not be happening at this stage of the school year. 

FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar said the ministry received transfer applications as early as August last year, giving enough time for the process to be completed before schools reopened. 

“These transfers were received in August and closed on August 31. By now, since schools have opened, the transfers should have been finalised,” Mr Goundar said. 

He said teachers initially placed in primary schools should be prioritised for movement into secondary schools where vacancies exist in their subject areas. 

While acknowledging that the Ministry was making efforts to manage the situation, Mr Goundar urged the Human Resources division to act quickly and follow established transfer policies. 

“The ministry is trying and doing its level best, but I urge the Human Resources section to expedite all these transfers,” he said. 

He also reminded the ministry that teachers who did not apply for transfers must be given proper notice. 

“If the ministry wishes to transfer a teacher who has not applied, they must be given a 28-day notice, as stated in the policy,” Mr Goundar said. 

Both unions said failure to follow proper procedures had added to confusion in schools, with some teachers unsure of where they were officially posted and newly graduated teachers still waiting at home for appointment letters. 

Questions regarding the delays were sent to the Ministry of Education earlier this week. However, no response had been received as of yesterday. 

The permanent secretary for Education was approached outside his office yesterday, but declined.