[Source: Fiji Government]

Twenty Fijians departed for Australia today to work as meat workers, under the Pacific Labour Scheme.

The group are on three-year contracts and is the second batch of Fijian meat workers and packers under the scheme.

Bidding them farewell, Minister for Employment Parveen Kumar says their success would determine the recruitment of other aspiring seasonal workers.

Kumar says by the end of November, there will be 80 Fijians under the program in Australia and they would like to see this pool increase.

He reminded the workers the increase will depend on their performance and discipline as the Government will be getting reports from their employers.

The Pacific Labour Facility’s Labour Mobility Engagement Manager, Sascha Piggot says the group will be engaged for three-year contracts under the normal terms and conditions of any Australian employee.

Piggot says it’s a demand-driven program.

Fiji joined the PLS through a Memorandum of Understanding in April with the National Employment Center managing the Scheme and registering interested applicants.