Fiji is a group of more than 300 islands with a population of approximately 890,000 people. Most of the population lives on the two main islands, Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.
Fiji is one of the most developed economies in the South Pacific and has an abundance of natural resources.
The main languages spoken among Fiji’s cosmopolitan population are English, Fijian and Hindi. This means Fijians adapt very well to cross-cultural environments.
As a close neighbour to Australia, most Fijians have a good understanding of Australian culture. There are direct and affordable flights daily to Australia from Fiji.
Fiji can provide unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled workers to fill labour shortages in Australia.
In Fiji, the National Employment Centre (NEC) recruits, processes and prepares workers for overseas employment.
NEC staff are experienced in worker recruitment and have an in-depth understanding of Australian industry and employer needs.
The NEC has a rigorous selection process that ensures Australian businesses recruit the best and most suitable workers.
Fijian workers selected to be part of the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) work-ready pools:
Fiji has a vast range of industries and workers with diverse experience, as well as a good track record of participation in labour mobility schemes in Australia and New Zealand.
Fiji currently has workers placed in the Australian agriculture, hospitality and tourism and meat processing sectors.
In Fiji, primary, secondary and tertiary education is all in English, so workers have excellent English communication skills. Fiji has a strong education system with high-quality graduates.
Strong work ethic
Fijians generally have a strong work ethic, are motivated and are physically fit. They have a reputation for being friendly, personable and polite.
Fijian culture attaches great importance to family and community—giving workers the ability to cooperate and collaborate as a team.
Hospitality and tourism specialists
For Fijians, the opportunity to work in Australia is life-changing. Most Fijians take the opportunity to represent their country abroad seriously, and therefore act with integrity.
To recruit workers under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) or the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), an Australian employer must be registered as an Approved Employer, or they must recruit workers through a labour-hire firm that is an Approved Employer.
To find out more about becoming an Approved Employer, visit the SWP employer information page on the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business website or the PLS employer information page.
Once approved, employers can recruit workers through Fiji’s National Employment Centre’s (NEC) work-ready pool or through direct recruitment.
For more information, contact the NEC by phone (+679 3310331) or by email (sakeo.talemaimaleya@govnet.gov.fj or prasheet.singh@govnet.gov.au).
The Australian Government has two visa schemes available for Fijians to work in Australia.
The Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) provides access to unskilled work opportunities for up to nine months in the Australian agricultural and accommodation sectors (in selected locations).
The Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) enables citizens of Fiji to take up low-skilled and semi-skilled work in rural and regional Australia for one to three years.
For information about the SWP or the PLS please direct enquiries to the NEC: (phone) +679 3310331 or visit your local the National Employment Centre (NEC) office in one of the following locations.
Suva Office
Ground Floor, Civic House
Townhall Raod, Suva
Phone: +679 3310331/3310801
Sigatoka Office
Kesuna Building
Solevu Main Street, Sigatoka
Phone: +679 6500977
Nadi Office
Level 3, Jagdish Gosai Building
Namaka, Nadi
Phone: +679 6702429
Lautoka Office
Level 1, Tavaiqia House
Tavewa Avenue, Lautoka
Phone: +679 6660305
Ba Office
Level 1, Koronubu House
Koronubu Street, Ba
Phone: +679 6674732
Labasa Office
Level 2, Ratu Raobe Building
Jaduram Street, Labasa
Phone: +679 8811643
Savusavu Office
Vunilagi Building
Main Street, Savusavu
Phone: +679 8850414
To register for the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP), a Fijian applicant must:
To register for the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), a Fijian applicant must:
It is free to join the SWP and the PLS; these programs are only managed by the NEC.
Complete a registration form at a National Employer Centre office or at a registration event.
Candidates need to bring their CV, passport, birth certificate, referees and any relevant work/qualification/licence documentation.
Former seafarers should bring their official logbook detailing any service at sea over the past 10 years.