New statistics from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics reveal that 873 residents left Fiji for employment opportunities in January 2026. Among these departures, 305 individuals sought employment for short durations of less than three months. In contrast, a larger group of 503 residents embarked on work-related trips lasting between three to twelve months. Additionally, 65 residents were involved in assignments anticipated to last from one to five years, with no reports of departures exceeding five years or categorized as permanent relocations.
The data also highlighted that education and training were significant factors, resulting in 851 departures, while business-related travels accounted for 684 residents. Notably, emigration was recorded at 260 departures, which includes those heading out permanently or for longer durations exceeding five years.
Overall, Fiji experienced a total of 19,500 resident departures in January 2026. The majority of these were for short-term purposes, with 9,710 individuals traveling for holidays and 6,702 for the purpose of visiting friends or family. This pattern of movement showcases a dynamic aspect of life in Fiji, highlighting both opportunities for economic advancement abroad and the strong ties to social and familial connections locally. The data encapsulates not only the pursuit of job opportunities but also the importance of maintaining bonds with loved ones, illustrating a balanced approach to Fijian residents’ aspirations and commitments.

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