More than 1600 Fijians have benefitted from the New Zealand Recognized and Australian Seasonal Workers Programme since 2015.

Employment Minister Praveen Kumar, says the program has seen an increase in the number of Fijians deployed for seasonal work and likewise an increase in the number of employers.

Kumar says to date, 946 Fijians have worked in NZ and 748 Fijians have worked in Australia under the Seasonal Workers program.

The Minister says the Australian program is not only limited to working in farms but also in the accommodation and the hospitality sector.

Fifty-one Fijians have been deployed to work as porters, food and beverage attendants, housekeeping attendants and front office attendants.

He says the Fijian seasonal workers have benefitted immensely from the program in terms of improving and sustaining their livelihoods, education for their children, financially assist their relatives and the community at large.

He adds this also has had an impact on the Fijian economy through remittances and savings.

Kumar says a budget allocation has been set for the recruitment of Liaison Officer for Australia.

This Officer will liaise with employers and workers in the workplace through facilitating communications between each other.