First lot of 30 workers to leave for NZ early next year

The first lot of 30 workers will be leaving for New Zealand under the Recognized Seasonal Employer Work Scheme on the 21st of February next year.

This was confirmed by the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Taito Waqa during the signing of an Inter-Agency Understanding between the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Industrial Relations and the Fijian Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations yesterday afternoon at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

Waqa said the workers will be paid approximately $22 per hour and will be employed for a period of up to seven months before they return to Fiji.

He added the purpose of the understanding is to facilitate Fiji’s access to send nationals for seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture industries under the New Zealand’s Recognized Seasonal Employer Immigration Instructions.

Waqa also highlighted that under the I-A-U arrangements, workers will enjoy full protection of New Zealand’s employment and workplace legislation, legislation concerning safe conditions of work, workplace accident compensation, minimum wage rate and will be eligible to join trade unions in accordance with the NZ labour laws.