More than one thousand Fijians will benefit from the Australian Seasonal Workers Program this year.

The Fijian and Australian government signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding in Suva yesterday.

Employment Minister Semi Koroilavesau says the programme will enable Fijians in rural communities first preference.

Since the original MOU was signed the Australian government has removed the annual limit on workers.

It’s also incouded cattle, sheep, grain and mixed farming in the programme, providing Australian employers to recruit seasonal workers from Fiji.

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Margaret Twomey says this is another example of Australia’s commitment to labour mobility, productive employment and economic growth in Fiji.

There are about 150 Fijians working under the SWP in Australia.