Human trafficking risks in Fiji are on the rise, as the country records a steady flow of foreign workers, Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto says.

The Minister warns that the demand for overseas labour creates opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable people. He says evidence of trafficking activity exists, and some cases are expected to move toward prosecution.

“We have a committee that is formed to deal with human trafficking. There’s a lot of education that needs to be done on this big issue. Not only from law enforcement agencies, I think even for judges and magistrates to understand what human trafficking is and when they have to adjudicate or cases go before them,”

He highlighted that both local and overseas actors, including agents from labour-sending countries such as Bangladesh, are involved. Most foreign workers arriving for lower-skilled jobs are male and mainly employed in construction.

Immigration recently held two training sessions with other agencies to improve awareness of trafficking indicators.

Naupoto stressed that more education is needed for law enforcement officers, judges, and magistrates to properly handle trafficking cases.

Fiji remains on the Tier Two Watch List in the United States Trafficking in Persons report.

Naupoto says the country must meet required standards to avoid being downgraded to Tier Three.

He explained that Immigration relies on document checks, including police clearances and medical certificates, while employers are expected to carry out proper background checks before recruitment.

Once workers enter Fiji, oversight of employment conditions is mainly the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and police.

Naupoto also highlighted that exploitation often occurs when work permits are tied to specific employers, leaving workers vulnerable if they leave or complain about poor treatment.

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