22 Nov 2018

Fiji delighted that RSE seasonal work cap lifted

9:50 am on 22 November 2018

Fiji's Ministry of Employment has welcomed New Zealand lifting its cap on workers for the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.

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Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

New Zealand announced two weeks ago it would increase the number of workers from Pacific countries from 1,750 to 12,850.

Fiji's permanent secretary for employment Salaseini Daunabuna said the increase would strengthen seasonal work opportunities for Fijians.

It would ease unemployment and help the government's vision of cutting the unemployment rate to below four percent, Ms Daunabuna said.

She added it could also improve the standard of living and skills of Fijians and create an enabling environment for growth and development.

Fiji joined the scheme in 2015 with more than 800 workers participating over a three-year period.