Fiji and Tonga Strengthen Labour Cooperation

The Governments of Fiji and Tonga have reaffirmed their strong historical and cultural ties by committing to closer collaboration in the area of labour and employment.

During recent bilateral discussions, Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, and Tonga’s Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Kapelieli Militoni Lanumata, underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between their ministries.

As part of the agreement, both countries will develop exchange programs for labour officers, enabling Tongan officials to gain practical exposure to Fiji’s labour inspection and compliance systems. Fiji has offered to host Tonga’s officials to provide hands-on training in labour law review, workplace inspections, occupational health and safety, and international labour standards. Fiji also committed to sharing its expertise in policy development and ILO convention ratifications.

Minister Singh reaffirmed Fiji’s readiness to support Tonga, stating: “We have advanced systems in place, such as our paperless labour inspection systems, and we are ready to support Tonga in developing similar systems. Together, we can raise labour standards across the Pacific and ensure workers’ rights are protected.”

Tonga’s Minister welcomed the partnership, describing it as mutually beneficial: “This partnership will help our officers learn from Fiji’s experience and improve the way we serve our workers. We see this as a mutual exchange, where both countries can benefit and grow stronger. Tonga is committed to working with Fiji to ensure fair treatment, decent work, and better opportunities for all workers.”

The discussions also touched on the protection of migrant workers, with Fiji sharing its progress toward ratifying international labour conventions addressing modern slavery. To formalise this collaboration, Fiji proposed the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will focus on protecting the rights of Tongan workers as well as Fijians employed abroad.

Both Ministers agreed that collaboration at the technical level is essential and emphasised the importance of Pacific labour ministers building strong bonds and raising a united voice on regional and international platforms.