The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation is urging the government to direct overseas labour schemes toward unemployed youth rather than skilled workers, as the latest Employment and Unemployment Survey shows only a marginal improvement in overall joblessness and persistent challenges for young jobseekers.
The survey indicates the national unemployment rate has eased slightly, from 5.5% to 5.4%, while youth unemployment remains high at 18.3%. In context, past data from 2023-24 show similar concerns: unemployment around 5.7%, youth joblessness at 18.3%, and a notable share of the working-age population not in employment or actively seeking work. These figures underscore a gap between the skills employers need and the skills available locally, with long-term implications if not addressed promptly.
Edward Bernard, Chief Executive of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation, said the country’s labour market continues to distort with skilled staff in short supply and an increasing reliance on foreign workers. He argued that while mobility programs exist, many Fijians remain unemployed and businesses struggle to fill skilled roles, making it harder to sustain long-term economic growth.
Bernard stressed that government and training institutions must prioritise strategies and training that reflect Fiji’s sustained workforce needs. He welcomed the Ministry of Employment’s move to limit new registrations for the Pacific Labour Mobility (PALM) and Seasonal Worker programs to those without jobs or income, but warned that some workers have resigned or left their jobs just to join these schemes. He called for due diligence, working with the Fiji National Provident Fund and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, to ensure that only genuinely unemployed Fijians are selected for overseas work opportunities.
The move toward carefully targeted placement aligns with wider concerns about preparing the local workforce for market demands. Industry voices have long argued that the training system requires reforms and better alignment with employer needs, including more transparent use of training funds and stronger emphasis on upskilling local graduates to reduce dependence on foreign labor.
Looking ahead, many policymakers and industry leaders advocate for data-driven labor market reform and stronger collaboration between government, employers, and educational institutions. A national taskforce and labor-market intelligence systems have been discussed as essential tools to monitor real-time needs and tailor training programs accordingly. These steps, if effectively implemented, could help channel overseas work opportunities toward those most in need while boosting local employment prospects and long-term economic resilience.
For readers and stakeholders, the key takeaway is the emphasis on targeting unemployed youth for overseas work opportunities, paired with robust verification and stronger investments in domestic training and apprenticeship pathways. If these measures are implemented with transparency and ongoing evaluation, Fiji could see a more balanced labor market, improved youth employment, and a firmer foundation for sustainable growth.
Summary: The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation urges prioritizing unemployed youth for overseas labour schemes amid a modest dip in overall unemployment and ongoing youth joblessness, urging careful due diligence and stronger domestic training to align with market needs and foster long-term economic resilience.
Leave a comment