Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has shed light on the complex issue of emigration from Fiji, noting that the departure of over 100,000 Fijians in recent years cannot be solely blamed on negative circumstances within the country. His comments came in response to claims suggesting that discrimination was the primary driver behind these outflows.
Prasad presented data during discussions in Parliament, revealing that emigration rates actually surged during the tenure of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, covering the years from 2016 to 2022. He acknowledged the significant demand for labor in destinations such as Australia and New Zealand but emphasized that this does not imply that the emigration trends are caused only by unfavorable conditions in Fiji. Changes in immigration policies in these host countries have prompted a reassessment of recent migration patterns.
Earlier analyses indicated a significant spike in migration flows post-COVID, with thousands of Fijians seeking job opportunities abroad. However, the Reserve Bank of Fiji has recently reported a notable annual decline of 33.3 percent in resident departures, attributed to the tightening of migration policies and stricter visa requirements in popular destinations like Australia and New Zealand. The years 2022 and 2023 saw approximately 25,627 Fijians leave, marking the highest figures recorded since 2005.
Despite the local struggles in the job market, which include decreasing job vacancies and shortages of skilled workers, there has been a rise in wages, with an increase of 10.3 percent reported. This wage growth aligns with a broader surge of 24.5 percent in tax collections, signifying a proactive approach by employers to retain valuable staff amid evolving economic conditions.
Fiji’s ongoing migration situation reflects the intricate dynamics of global labor mobility and the emerging potential for policy change to positively influence the local employment scene. There remains hope that by strengthening local opportunities and addressing underlying causes of emigration, Fiji can work towards a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens.
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