Fiji to participate in Australia's Seasonal Worker Program

Fiji and Australia signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, establishing the Pacific island country's participation in Australia's Seasonal Worker Program (SWP), the Fijian government announced.

The MoU was signed in Suva by Jioji Konrote, Fiji's minister for employment, productivity and industrial relations and Steve Ciobo, Australia's parliamentary secretary to the minister for foreign affairs and parliamentary secretary to the minister for trade and investment.

"The SWP will directly add-value and materialize the Ministry's Employment Creation Reform, which is aimed at providing sustainable employment opportunities for Fijians, whilst contributing to poverty alleviation. The work opportunities provided through this program will enable Fijians to contribute significantly towards enhancing their skills and competencies and improving their living standards," Fiji's Department of Information said in a statement.

"With a 'win-win' approach, the SWP also contributes to the economic development of partner countries; while benefits are also accorded to the Australian economy and employers. The types of work that will be considered under this program involve horticulture, accommodation, aquaculture, cotton and cane husbandry," said the department.

Under the program, the duration of work is from 14 weeks to 6 months and workers are permitted to visit their countries each season, depending on the demand for labor and the performance of the individual. Endi