There are around 8,000 holders of Group Five driving licenses in Fiji, but the number of active buses operating across the nation is significantly lower, with only about 1,500 currently in service. This disparity has drawn public attention, particularly concerning the employment of Bangladeshi bus drivers within the country.
Land Transport Authority Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa addressed these public concerns, clarifying the situation surrounding the hiring of foreign drivers instead of local license holders. He explained that although there is a sizable number of locals with Group Five licenses, many are employed in administrative roles or have chosen to seek better job prospects abroad, effectively limiting the pool of available local drivers.
Additionally, Rokosawa assured the public that foreign drivers do not enter the workforce unregulated. He outlined that their recruitment involves a thorough vetting process to ensure they possess the necessary qualifications and capabilities to operate public service vehicles safely. This approach aims to maintain high safety standards in the transport sector while addressing the current labor shortages.
As the demand for bus services continues to grow, efforts to balance the workforce with qualified drivers, both local and foreign, remain a vital component of maintaining reliable public transportation in Fiji.
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