Seasonal workers' alleged extramarital affairs under control – M.C.I.L.

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia - Ah Tong 04 April 2019, 12:00AM

Concerns over some Samoan seasonal workers getting involved in extramarital affairs is now under control with workers closely monitored. 

The CEO of the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.), Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling, said the situation is not as bad as before. 

He said the Government takes the matter seriously and workers who are proven to be involved in infidelity will be dealt with. 

“There are not that many involved in that matter so far,” said Pulotu. 

 “Also sometimes when people see them in photos standing together they automatically thing there is something and complain, but the Ministry believes in equal justice. So when we receive complaints we contact liaison officer to look into it. 

“It appeared that there were problems but it is now manageable and it (complaints) has lessened.” 

Pulotu confirmed there have been complaints filed with the Ministry and it cannot be hidden. 

However, he pointed out that complaints need to be checked and those involved are invited to come in to the office so they can talk to them. 

“As you can see I am not a church minister but we do invite them in to discuss it, and we also advice them that these are internal matters and there are repercussions,” explained Pulotu. 

“If we bring their husbands back home then he will lose that opportunity to provide for their family and will also affect their villages. 

“So we do advice they make an effort to solve the matter, and if they tell the truth and say they did this then we will deal with them. That is what we are dealing with and the Government does not condone these infidelity matters because it has an impact on families involved.” 

Pulotu added Government had always been giving advice to seasonal workers before they leave through pre-orientations about their work ethics including issue with extramarital. 

 He said despite their busy schedule they make time to meet and see seasonal workers and give them guidance. 

On the number of seasonal workers going to New Zealand and Australia, Pulotu said there is great news with the two countries demanding more locals. 

He said it is possible that the number of seasonal workers under the scheme will increase in the coming years. 

In 2017, there were about 1,500 seasonal workers engaged and that number has increased throughout the years with 2,000 going under the scheme for this year. 

Pulotu commended the seasonal workers for their hard work which has contributed to the increasing demand from N.Z. and Australia for more local Samoans. 

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia - Ah Tong 04 April 2019, 12:00AM

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