Registration Opens for PALM and RSE Work Schemes on August 22

The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations has announced that registrations for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme will officially open on Friday, 22 August 2025.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Mr Maritino Nemani, confirmed that the nationwide registration process will be facilitated through the National Employment Centre (NEC).

He stressed that recruitment would be conducted strictly in line with approved employer requirements and international program standards.

“Eligibility is strictly limited to unemployed Fijian citizens, preferably aged between 21 to 45 years with no source of income. The Ministry strongly advises that currently employed individuals must not resign from their jobs to register, as selection is not guaranteed,” Mr Nemani said.

The registration exercise will focus on priority sectors, including aged care, certified halal meat works, drivers, and referrals from approved employers.

Specific sector targets have been set to maintain quality recruitment. For example, 300 qualified certificate holders will be accommodated under the aged care category, while the driver category will require valid licenses and at least three years of driving experience. Certified halal workers and employer referrals will also be accepted, subject to caps.

Applicants will be required to provide original or certified documents, including their birth certificate, passport, curriculum vitae, academic certificates, and two character references.

Mr Nemani emphasised that all documents must be verified by a Justice of the Peace, Provincial Administrator, or Commissioner of Oaths.

He further warned that once sector quotas are reached, no additional registrations would be accepted, and any applicant found providing false information would be barred from future opportunities.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to fairness, Mr Nemani said, “The Ministry calls on all interested applicants to carefully review the eligibility criteria and register responsibly. Members of the public are urged to contact the nearest NEC office for further information and updates.”

The Ministry has assured that transparency and fairness will guide every step of the registration, recruitment, and selection process.