Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations

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Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations The Official Facebook Account for the Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.

The core responsibility of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations (MEPIR) is to pursue the attainment of decent employment standards through the promotion of employment opportunities, development of healthy workers, the provision of healthy and safe working environment, fair employment conditions, good faith employment relations and productive workplaces. These responsib

ilities are achieved by focusing on developing a modern, structured and enabling policy environment supported by sound labour laws, policies, institutions, international best practices and values, underpinned by tripartite social dialogue and self-regulation.

15/06/2026

Last week we celebrated the world day against child labour with the powerful message: children belong in classrooms where their future is forged.

Children's Education Cannot Be Traded for Income, Says NemaniPermanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workpl...
13/06/2026

Children's Education Cannot Be Traded for Income, Says Nemani

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Mr Jone Maritino Nemani, has addressed growing public questions surrounding children selling roti parcels, muffins and other goods at night, reminding parents, guardians and employers that a child's education must always come first.

Mr Nemani said while many families involve children in small business activities with good intentions, the Employment Relations Act 2007 places clear limits on the type of work children can undertake and the impact that work can have on their education.

"However, there is a clear line in the law. If work is affecting a child's schooling, homework, study time, attendance, rest or academic performance, then it is not acceptable."

He stressed that children aged between 13 and 15 years may only perform light work, and only where that work does not harm their health, development or education.

"A child's primary responsibility is to learn. Their future depends on education. No child should be placed in a situation where earning income becomes more important than completing homework, preparing for examinations or getting enough rest before school."

"If a child is regularly returning home late, missing study time, struggling to complete homework, arriving at school tired or showing declining academic performance, those are warning signs that the arrangement may not be in the child's best interests and may not comply with the law."

Mr Nemani also stressed that parents and guardians carry the primary responsibility for providing for their children.

"A child does not choose to be born. It is the fundamental responsibility of parents and guardians to provide for their children's needs, including food, shelter, education and care. Parents must never shift that responsibility onto their children."

"It is unacceptable for adults to send children out to work, sell goods or beg for money while they remain at home and are capable of providing for their families themselves. Children should not be carrying the financial burden of a household."

He said employers and business operators also have responsibilities under the Employment Relations Act and must ensure that any work performed by children complies with legal requirements.

"The law is designed to protect children. Education must never be sacrificed for income, no matter how well-intentioned the arrangement may be."

"Children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. The purpose of child labour laws is not to prevent children from learning responsibility, but to ensure that work does not interfere with their right to an education."

As Fiji marks World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June, Mr Nemani reminded parents, employers and communities that every child deserves the opportunity to remain in school and reach their full potential.

"The future of our nation depends on the education of our children. Homework, learning and school attendance must always come before work. No child should have their future compromised because income has taken priority over education," he said.

The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations proudly marked World Day Against Child Labour 2026 unde...
12/06/2026

The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations proudly marked World Day Against Child Labour 2026 under the global theme: “Red Card to Child Labour, Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”

Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, Assistant Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the urgent need to protect children’s rights and ensure decent work opportunities for adults.

The program featured a poster competition, oratory competition, and poetry presentations, showcasing the creativity and commitment of participants in advocating for a future free from child labour.



Message from the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Honourable Agni Deo Singh, on World Day ...
12/06/2026

Message from the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Honourable Agni Deo Singh, on World Day Against Child Labour 2026

Today, on World Day Against Child Labour, Fiji joins the global call to give child labour a red card.

This year's theme, "A Red Card to Child Labour," comes at a fitting time, as football fans around the world celebrate the start of the FIFA World Cup. In football, a red card sends a clear message that certain behaviour has no place in the game. In the same way, child labour has no place in our society.

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play and grow in a safe environment. When children are forced into labour, they are deprived of their education, their potential and their future.

The Government of Fiji remains committed to eliminating child labour through stronger laws, enforcement, awareness and partnerships. Through our Child Labour Taskforce, more than 200 children have already been withdrawn from exploitative work and supported back into education and care.

Today, I encourage all employers, parents, community leaders and citizens to join us in showing child labour the red card.

Together, we can ensure that every child is in school, protected from exploitation and given the opportunity to thrive.

Vinaka vakalevu.

More Than 200 Children Saved From Child LabourMore than 200 children have been removed from exploitative labour situatio...
11/06/2026

More Than 200 Children Saved From Child Labour

More than 200 children have been removed from exploitative labour situations and returned to education through the work of Fiji's dedicated child labour taskforce, Acting Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo revealed today.

Speaking at the World Day Against Child Labour commemoration, Hon. Vosarogo said the Government was continuing to strengthen the Employment Relations Act to provide even greater protection for children and stronger accountability for employers.

He said the interagency taskforce, comprising the Ministry of Employment, the Fiji Police Force, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and other partners, had already achieved significant progress in tackling child labour across the country.

"Together, we have already withdrawn more than 200 children from exploitative work and returned them to education," he said.

However, Hon. Vosarogo stressed that enforcement alone would not solve the problem, noting that child labour is often rooted in poverty and economic hardship.

He highlighted several Government initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable families, including free education, bus fare subsidies, the Poverty Benefit Scheme and other social protection measures.

"We are working to ensure that no family is forced to choose between putting food on the table and sending their children to school," he said.

The Acting Minister called on employers to uphold the law, communities to remain vigilant, and parents and guardians to prioritise education for their children.

Addressing young people directly, he encouraged them to learn their rights, support one another and speak up when they see exploitation occurring.

"Education is our most powerful weapon. When children are in the classroom instead of the workforce, opportunities arise and futures are transformed," he said.

Hon. Vosarogo reaffirmed Fiji's commitment to eliminating child labour and ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed before officially opening the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour programme.

Today we observe the World Day Against Child Labour.To force a child to work at the expense of their education is to rob...
11/06/2026

Today we observe the World Day Against Child Labour.

To force a child to work at the expense of their education is to rob them of their future. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve their full potential in a safe and supportive environment.

Let's work together to ensure every child is in the classroom, not the workplace.

Did You Know?Sections 92 and 93 of the Employment Relations Act 2007 set out when children may legally work in Fiji. Chi...
11/06/2026

Did You Know?

Sections 92 and 93 of the Employment Relations Act 2007 set out when children may legally work in Fiji. Children under 13 cannot be employed, while children aged 13 to 15 may only perform light work that does not harm their health, development, or education.

The Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Busine...
11/06/2026

The Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development has successfully concluded a three day Start and Improve your Business Training(SIYB).

This program is designed to support returned PALM workers and their families in building sustainable livelihoods and reintegration opportunities.

At the closing ceremony, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment and achievement. The certificates were formally presented by Dr. Radika Kumar, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce & Business Development.

This joint initiative highlights the Government’s commitment to empowering Fijians with practical tools for business creation, resilience and long term economic participation.

CHILDREN BELONG IN CLASSROOMSSections 93(2)(b) and 97(2) of the Employment Relations Act 2007 help ensure that a child's...
10/06/2026

CHILDREN BELONG IN CLASSROOMS

Sections 93(2)(b) and 97(2) of the Employment Relations Act 2007 help ensure that a child's education remains a priority. Employment must not interfere with school attendance, vocational training, or a child's opportunity to learn and develop.

10/06/2026

Kaushal Mudaliar of the Child Labour Taskforce shares why protecting children from child labour is a responsibility we all share.

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