The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Hon. Jioji K Konrote reaffirms Government’s commitment to promoting equal employment opportunities for all Fijians, for both overseas and local employment.
In doing so he reiterates that authorised employers make the final decision on selection of workers for employment under the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme and the Australia Seasonal Worker Program (SWP).
He adds that the Ministry’s registration and selection process is impartial and inclusive. It does not discriminate against gender, race, religion or any other characteristic. The selection criteria is thorough and designed to ensure potential risks are eliminated so that Fiji has in its Work Ready Pool workers who meet the minimum requirements for overseas employment.
It is the prerogative of the employer to select from the Work Ready Pool, appropriate workers for the type of work offered. Applications are assessed by prospective employers for final approval.
A total of 24 candidates out of the 113 in the Work Ready Pool have left our shores for employment under the RSE Scheme. The 113 candidates comprise of 77 males and 36 females. An additional 6 applications are being processed to depart for New Zealand in June. These form the first group of 30 candidates under Fiji’s pilot project to New Zealand.
Members of public are encouraged to visit any National Employment Centre district offices or log on to the Ministry’s website www.labour.gov.fj for more information.