The Ministry of Employment in Fiji has issued a strong warning to unregulated education recruiting agencies, with Minister Agni Deo Singh reaffirming commitment to strict enforcement actions against those who breach legal requirements. This initiative aligns with a broader strategy to ensure that all education recruiting entities adhere to established laws.
Minister Singh emphasized the importance of supporting the Higher Education Commission in the process of legitimizing and regulating agencies that are operating without proper authorization. He specifically pointed out the issue of agencies that are neither registered with the Commission nor compliant with immigration regulations, particularly those operating on visitor visas. Singh has called for an immediate halt to the activities of these agencies and stated that they will face legal repercussions.
This serious crackdown on illegal recruitment stems from escalating concerns over student welfare. Minister Singh noted that some agencies have been found to mislead students and exploit parents with false promises of lucrative overseas education opportunities in exchange for steep fees.
Adding support to these enforcement efforts, Higher Education Commission Chair Steve Chand shared that investigations have revealed systemic weaknesses that have allowed certain recruiting agencies to function unlawfully. The Commission is actively engaged in addressing these issues and reinforcing enforcement measures to combat these unlawful practices.
Authorities are urging parents and students to meticulously verify the registration status of recruiting agencies before availing of their services. This proactive appeal is part of an intensified effort to protect students and families, while also upholding the integrity of Fiji’s education system. Through these measures, there is hope for a more secure and legitimate framework for education recruitment in Fiji, ultimately benefiting prospective students.