Families Join Long-Term Workers in Australia Under PALM Program

Fijian families are now accompanying long-term workers to Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, as part of a pilot programme aimed at reducing the impact of prolonged family separation.

The Family Accompaniment Pilot Program allows eligible workers to bring their spouses and children with them while employed overseas, marking a shift toward more socially supportive labour mobility arrangements.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, said the initiative recognises that labour mobility must deliver more than just economic benefits.

Around 90 Fijian families have already benefited from the pilot programme since its introduction in 2024.

Singh said while labour mobility has significantly improved household incomes, the emotional toll of long-term separation cannot be ignored.

“Labour mobility has provided significant economic opportunities for many Fijian households. However, we must also recognise the emotional and social challenges that come with long periods of family separation,” he said.

He added that the programme allows workers to remain connected with their families while continuing to earn income overseas.

“The Family Accompaniment Program allows workers to remain connected with their families while continuing to contribute to Fiji’s economy through overseas employment.”

The Fiji Government continues to work closely with the Government of Australia to strengthen support systems for Fijian workers and their families under the labour mobility programme.

“Our goal is to ensure that the programs are not only economically beneficial but also socially sustainable for workers and families,” Singh said.