5 Jun 2018

Fiji confirms deportation of seasonal workers from Australia

9:07 am on 5 June 2018

Fiji's Employment Minister, Jone Usamate, says three Fijians were sent home by Australian employers last week.

FBC reported the three were part of the Seasonal Workers Program in Australia and were allegedly involved in unscrupulous behavior.

However Mr Usamate said he was yet to receive more details about this.

Meanwhile, the Employment Minister said he was looking at ways to increase the number of women employed under the Seasonal Workers Program in Australia as well as the Recognized Seasonal Employer scheme in New Zealand.

Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme workers from Fiji taken a short break from picking pears in a Twyford orchard owned by RJ Flowers.

Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme workers from Fiji taken a short break from picking pears in a Twyford orchard owned by RJ Flowers. Photo: RNZI/Johnny Blades

Mr Usamate said only ten percent of those employed under the two schemes were women and the need to increase their participation was of paramount importance.