Fijian PALM workers in Australia will have also access to the services offered by Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) while offshore.
It was announced that the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) is expanding its services to benefit Fijian workers under the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme and other workers employed offshore. This landmark development comes after the successful passing of the Fiji National Provident Fund (Budget Amendment) Bill 2023 in parliament on Friday.
Image source: Fiji Sun (FNPF For PALM Workers (fijisun.com.fj)) : Parliament of Fiji
The expansion of FNPF's services is in response to the growing number of Fijian labourers moving to work in Australia and New Zealand under Labour Mobility Schemes in recent years. Recognising the importance of providing access to the Fiji National Provident Fund for these workers, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad explained that the bill primarily serves as a legal foundation for FNPF to broaden its membership by establishing an overseas fund. The amendments made to clauses two, three, four, and five of the bill are instrumental in enabling FNPF to extend its services to workers in Australia and New Zealand.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh expressed additional positive news, stating, "A further welcoming news is the FNPF proposal to establish offshore operations, thus broadening the number of Fijians in Australia and New Zealand who can become members. This means our Fijian workers in New Zealand and Australia will have the opportunity to access the services of FNPF and manage their deductions there."
Additionally, Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has shown his support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to benefit offshore workers.
This expansion marks the first step in a strategic approach aimed at supporting the Fijian diaspora, providing an essential service that will benefit all hardworking Fijian workers abroad. Now, they will have the opportunity to access FNPF services and have their deductions conveniently managed from Australia and New Zealand.
We welcome this extended initiative in supporting PALM workers' financial well-being, and we look forward to the further announcement of the details. Stay tuned for more updates on FNPF's expanding services as we continue to explore for a prosperous future for all Whales Fijian members.
*Original news was published by Fiji Sun: FNPF For PALM Workers (fijisun.com.fj)