Aisea Vuda, a former school dropout from Saru Village in Lautoka, is a powerful example of how determination and opportunity through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme can transform lives.
Driven by his desire to provide a better future for his family, especially his daughter, Aisea joined the scheme committed to hard work and self-improvement.
“Out of all the things, they all come second when it comes to my daughter,” he said.
“My wife and I come from a very complex background. We don’t come from families where everything was on top of the table.”
In 2023, Aisea began work with Seeka Australia in Victoria, Australia’s largest kiwifruit operation. Through strong performance and leadership, he was promoted to farm supervisor within a short time.
Without access to tertiary education, Aisea used the PALM Scheme as a pathway to gain skills, leadership experience and confidence.
“I didn’t attend any university, so this is my university. I don’t look at this program as just for money, but as a way of learning.”
Through remittances, Aisea supports his immediate and extended family in Fiji, contributing to education costs and essential household needs—reflecting the wider impact of PALM workers on families and communities.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, said the scheme continues to deliver meaningful outcomes.
“The PALM Scheme demonstrates its value through workers like Aisea, who are gaining skills, building leadership capacity, and supporting their families back home.”
The Government remains committed to ensuring Fijian workers benefit from safe, well-managed overseas employment opportunities.