Foreign worker recruitment questioned amid youth unemployment

Opposition Member of Parliament Virendra Lal has voiced strong concerns over Fiji's growing reliance on foreign workers, arguing that it exacerbates the challenges faced by unemployed local youth. Speaking in Parliament, Lal highlighted the apparent contradiction of importing labor while many Fijians struggle to secure employment.

Lal's remarks came during a debate on the annual reports from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Fijian Immigration Department. He pointed to industries increasingly turning to foreign labor, suggesting this practice is detrimental to the nation's youth. The opposition MP emphasized the need for policies that prioritize the employment of Fijian citizens.

The debate underscores a significant socio-economic issue in Fiji, touching upon unemployment and national labor policies. The government's approach to foreign worker recruitment and its impact on the local job market remain a point of contention, with the opposition calling for greater attention to the needs of the country's youth.