Bangladesh and India have emerged as increasingly significant recipients of remittances from Fiji in 2024, as highlighted in the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit’s most recent annual report. While Australia and New Zealand continue to dominate as the leading destinations for outward remittances, the data reveals that Bangladesh and India also claim notable shares of the total funds transferred. In particular, Bangladesh received 6% (19,276 transactions) while India secured 4% (14,237 transactions) of Fiji’s outward electronic fund transfers.
This development underscores an evolving narrative in Fiji’s remittance landscape, showcasing the diversification of its migrant labor connections. The growing presence of Bangladesh and Indian nationals within Fiji’s manufacturing, construction, and service sectors is a significant factor contributing to this trend, as many of these workers regularly send financial support back to their families.
Overall, the FIU has documented a total of 336,427 outward Electronic Funds Transfer Reports (EFTRs) for the year 2024. Australia leads the charge with 17% (56,323 transfers), followed closely by New Zealand at 14% (47,235 transfers), and the United States, which accounted for 9% (29,954 transfers). Other notable recipients included the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and various Asian countries, reflecting a broader global engagement in remittance flows.
The total number of EFTRs received by the FIU in 2024 reached an impressive 4,089,605, averaging around 340,800 transfers each month. This marked a significant 15 percent increase compared to the 3,542,848 EFTRs processed in 2023.
The FIU emphasizes that remittance inflows play a vital role in the Fijian economy, bolstering foreign reserves, sustaining households, and illustrating the changing patterns of labor mobility within and beyond the nation. As these connections grow and evolve, the positive impact on Fiji’s economic landscape is expected to continue, highlighting the importance of remittances in supporting families and communities across the country.
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