A prominent shipping company has urged the government to expedite the processing of work permits for foreign employees, citing significant delays that are hindering maritime operations and inter-island transport. During a presentation to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, George Goundar, Managing Director of Goundar Shipping, underscored the severity of the situation, revealing that foreign crew members often wait months for their work permit approvals.
Goundar explained the negative impact of these delays, which result in vessels being understaffed, reduced operational efficiency, and substantial financial and logistical challenges for local businesses. He recounted a troubling incident where 32 foreign workers were suddenly removed from a ship due to permit complications, severely compromising the company’s operational capabilities.
The challenges for the shipping sector in Fiji are considerable. Goundar noted that many foreign workers return home after their contracts expire, only to face continued delays for their permit approvals. “That’s what we’re lacking in Fiji: putting documents forward to the government to vet them so we can get employees to work in Fiji. It’s a nightmare for us at the moment,” he stated.
In addition, Goundar criticized the existing legal framework that applies land-based labor laws to maritime employees, arguing for the need for a specialized regulatory structure tailored to the unique demands of maritime employment. He cited an example of three Bangladeshi workers who have been waiting five months for work permit contracts, despite holding three-year permits.
The Economic Affairs Committee has recognized the pressing issues raised by industry representatives and pledged to engage with relevant agencies to tackle these work permit delays. The hope is that resolving these challenges will stabilize operations within the maritime sector and aid businesses in managing their workforce issues more effectively. The call to action suggests a positive pathway forward in creating a more efficient and responsive system that addresses the urgent needs of the shipping industry.