Mr Mohammad Salahuddin of the Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra, Australia.

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

More than one million Bangladeshi migrant workers leave their home country for work purposes annually, says Mohammad Salahuddin, counsellor of the labour and employment section of Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra, Australia.

Speaking at the special Bangladesh Day organised in Nadi on Sunday, May 25, Mr Salahuddin said employers have the full rights to interview and check the skill set levels of their employees prior to bringing them over to Fiji.

“Many times, agents would just recruit anyone without much consideration for their skill sets and qualifications,” Mr Salahuddin said.

He said employers can demand those agents to set-up online interviews and ask for certified work and educational qualification documents to ensure they bring in the right person for the right job.

“We are here to facilitate and assist in the workforce of Fiji by providing good and law-abiding workers from Bangladesh and there have been cases whereby certain staff are unable to meet the requirements and the employer only finds that out when the workers are already here,” Mr Salahuddin said.

He said the Bangladeshi Government is willing to work hand-in-hand with Fijian employers in ensuring both parties are happy with the arrangement.

“I request all employers to treat our migrant workers with dignity and provide the basic requirements and amenities that would be acceptable in global standards. Our workers are not asking you for luxury accommodation and expensive items, just basic things which are enough to give them a morale boost.”

Mr Salahuddin also warned workers against substance abuse and misbehavior at workplaces.

“Employers have the full rights to terminate contracts if certain workers engage in practices unacceptable such as substance abuse and absenteeism.”

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• SHALENDRA PRASAD is a freelance photojournalist based in Nadi, Fiji