Fiji’s Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua has confirmed that investigations are underway regarding a video in which Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, allegedly admitted to withholding immigrant workers’ passports.
Whippy reportedly made the comments during a dialogue on the Fijian economy in Suva earlier this week.
Tikoduadua said the practice is in direct violation of the country’s labor laws, and if proven true, appropriate actions will be taken.
“Any exploitation or mistreatment of workers, including the retention of passports, will not be tolerated,” Tikoduadua said adding that the government is committed to enforcing these laws and ensuring the protection of all workers, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
To investigate these allegations the ministry is working with the Department of Immigration and the Fiji Police Force. Tikoduadua also urges anyone with information or evidence related to the matter to come forward and cooperate fully with the investigation.
He also assured the public that regular updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided.
