Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka presented the Registration of Skilled Workers Repeal Bill 2025 in Parliament, highlighting the challenges posed by the current law. He emphasized that the existing legislation, established under the Registration of Skilled Professionals Act 2016, has led to confusion and has undermined regulatory systems intended to protect the public and ensure professional standards in Fiji.
During his address, Rabuka explained that the 2016 Act was initially aimed at addressing skill shortages in Fiji by drawing in foreign professionals through a streamlined registration process. This legislation sought to fill urgent gaps in essential sectors, thereby fostering development in the nation. It established a Skilled Professional Evaluation Committee responsible for assessing the country’s needs and vetting applications for foreign professionals.
However, the Prime Minister pointed out that the law inadvertently created a conflicting registration pathway that sidestepped established procedures managed by professional regulatory bodies and the Ministry of Immigration. This has resulted in ambiguity and has occasionally compromised critical safeguards designed to uphold public safety and maintain professional integrity.
Rabuka underscored the importance of the expertise held by Fiji’s professional bodies and immigration authorities, asserting that these organizations are crucial in evaluating qualifications and ensuring competence within the workforce. He cautioned against allowing skilled professionals, particularly in vital areas such as healthcare and engineering, to operate without rigorous vetting as it could pose serious risks to public safety and national security.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about immigration vulnerabilities arising from the expedited processes allowed by the 2016 Act, stating that such measures could undermine Fiji’s appeal as a secure destination for tourists and investors.
By proposing the repeal of the Act, Rabuka seeks to restore clarity and reinforce the integrity of Fiji’s professional and immigration frameworks, thus prioritizing the safety of its citizens while ensuring that skilled professionals are properly vetted. This legislative step is seen as essential in safeguarding the interests of both the workforce and the broader community, ultimately aiming to strengthen Fiji’s regulatory environment in the face of evolving global challenges.
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