About 2000 Fijians will have the opportunity to work in Australia under the seasonal workers program.

Employment Minister, Semi Koroilavesau, has been in talks with his Australian counterparts to finalize the second phase of the program.

“In our agreement with the Australian Embassy, we should be looking at around about 1000 to 2000 seasonal workers this year, it depends entirely on the requirements of the farmers in Australia, as soon as they give us the needs, we will go through the processes and send them to Australia.”

Under the initial agreement between the two countries, 100 places were allocated with an eventual 120 Fijians taking up a 6 month seasonal work contract in Australia last year.

Of that, six Fijians have left their Australian employer citing unreasonable salaries and working conditions.

Koroilavesau says this will not affect the second phase of the program.

114 Fijians are currently employed in Australia under the program.