Fiji is rolling out a new recruitment strategy to tackle critical labour shortages in the sugar sector, reported FBC News.
Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh says the plan will involve bringing in Bangladeshi workers to keep cane farming and mill operations running smoothly.
He notes that local labour is no longer sufficient because many Fijians take up seasonal work overseas, move internally for other opportunities, or opt out due to the physically demanding nature of farm work.
According to Singh, a Government-to-Government recruitment framework is being finalised and will soon be submitted to Cabinet.
“The Government of Bangladesh has shown strong and genuine interest in providing an organised and reliable labour supply, particularly for agriculture and the sugar industry. Their preparedness, professionalism, and structured deployment system were evident during our discussions,” he said.
Singh adds that the initiative is well-structured, legally compliant, and dependent on farmer endorsement, with the goal of safeguarding the future of cane farming and sugar milling.
