TWO companies and two individuals in Fiji are being currently investigated by the relevant authorities for being engaged in illegal recruitment activities.
According to Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate, one of the two companies is before the Employment Relations Tribunal while the two other individuals from Labasa and Sigatoka respectively were being investigated jointly by the Labour Compliance Section and the Fiji Police Force.
Confirming this in a Government statement, Mr Usamate said Government would continue to take proactive approaches in ensuring that workers who leave our shores for overseas employment are given the highest protection and guidance from receiving countries.
“In boosting its proactive efforts, my ministry also conducted labour inspections of suspected individuals who are engaged in illegal recruitment activities,” Mr Usamate said.
He said this was part of the proactive efforts undertaken by his ministry in protecting our Fijian workers.
The approach, he said, included media statements published in the dailies, talkback shows and road shows advising members of the public of the legal aspects of engagement of any local for overseas employment and the challenges Government faces when not being made aware.
Mr Usamate also highlighted the close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in particular with the Roving Ambassador’s Office for the employment opportunities and awareness conducted to other neighbouring Pacific Island countries that employ Fijian workers.
The Employment Minister has also urged members of the public to contact the ministry and report any scrupulous recruitment for overseas employment opportunities from any illegal or unregistered agency or individual and he also pleads with all Fijians not to be lured or get swayed easily and must take heed of the advice given by the ministry.
