Luke Rawalai
20 February, 2021, 10:40 pm
Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Bala is followed by Anare Jale and Health minister Dr Iferemi Waqainabete outside Parliament. Picture: RAMA
AT the behest of their employers, 70 Fijians left Fiji on Thursday this week as returning workers under the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS).
Employment Minister Parveen Kumar said the workers were specifically requested by their former employers.
He said they would be employed as fruit pickers in the New Zealand agriculture sector.
“They will work for seven months subject to the renewal of their contracts or the demand from employers,” he said.
“Employers are happy with the services provided by our seasonal workers so they request for specific workers to return because of their good performance. These special recognitions give our workers back home the mileage and reputation needed so we can send more workers across.”
Luke Nacei
Minister for Employment, Productivity
and Industrial Relations Parveen Kumar.
Picture: RAMA/FILE
Drug use has hindered many Fijians from traveling abroad to work under the Pacific Labour Scheme.
Employment Minister Parveen Kumar highlighted this while officiating at the culmination of the pre-departure orientation for selected meat workers who will be traveling to Australia under the scheme.
“I was told that during the interview the majority failed their test because of drugs,” he said.
He urged the workers to also avoid drinking alcohol and kava in Australia.
“You need to refrain from drinking alcohol and kava as this can affect your work performance.