EFFORTS are underway to place former Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers with new employers where possible, as authorities continue searching for a Fijian worker who disengaged from the program and is reportedly homeless in Australia.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh provided the update while discussing the case of an iTaukei worker who travelled to Australia under the PALM scheme before leaving his employment.
The case, which was highlighted by a Fijian blogger has raised concerns about welfare support available to workers who disengage from the scheme.
Mr Singh said the Ministry’s country liaison officer was tasked to locate that individual.
“He was sighted and unfortunately, he disappeared from there. We are still trying to locate him, and we are also asking for assistance from the Department of Workplace Relations.”
According to Mr Singh, the worker had disengaged from the scheme about a year ago and had since been working elsewhere.
“We believe that he was not in the best of healthy habits. It’s rather unfortunate that he went that way.”
Mr Singh said the ministry was continuing its efforts to assist Fijians who had left their approved employment arrangements under the scheme.
He added that some former workers were being matched with alternative employers where their immigration status allowed.
“We are also in the process of re-engaging some of them with other employers if they have a valid visa.
“Those who don’t have a valid visa, of course, they will have to come back.”
Mr Singh also encouraged Fijians working overseas not to disengage from their employment arrangements.
