SUVA, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Fijian cabinet has approved a declaration of intent with India to explore the recruitment of skilled workers for Fiji.

Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh said the partnership would help fill critical worker shortages in construction, healthcare and information technology sectors, reported Fiji Sun on Thursday.

However, the minister assured that strict guidelines would be implemented to protect local jobs, requiring employers to advertise positions locally twice before seeking foreign workers.

Ten registered agents in Fiji are authorized to recruit overseas workers, with the Immigration Ministry monitoring the process.