182 Fijian workers depart for Australia

182 Fijians departed for Australia today to start work under the Pacific Labour Scheme.

These workers will take up positions in the agriculture industry across New South Wales.

Sakio Nacani of Waisali Village in Savusavu says this is his first trip overseas and he will use this opportunity to support his family.

Nacani says he was working in Suva but lost his job because of COVID-19.

He says he returned to his village to work on his farm.

Tragedy struck again for Nacani when Tropical Cyclone Yasa damaged his crops.

Nacani adds he is fortunate to be selected to work in Australia.

Acting Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Anna Dorney, says the Fijian workers’ efforts will be highly valued both in Fiji and in Australia and wishes the workers all the best. The group that left today are in addition to the 172 Fijian PLS workers who departed on 25 November 2020.