Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has stated that the significant emigration of over 100,000 Fijians in recent years cannot be attributed solely to negative push factors within Fiji. This follows discussions around claims that recent outflows were primarily driven by discrimination. He emphasized that data presented in Parliament covering the period from 2016 to 2022 indicates that emigration actually increased during the tenure of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
While acknowledging the substantial labor demand in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, Prasad clarified that this does not mean that the emigration is exclusively a result of adverse conditions in Fiji. He noted that immigration policies in host countries have recently changed, leading to a reconsideration of migration trends.
Related analyses from earlier reports indicated that migration flows from Fiji surged dramatically post-COVID, with significant numbers seeking opportunities abroad. However, the Reserve Bank of Fiji has recently announced an annual decline of 33.3 percent in resident departures as tightening migration policies and stricter visa requirements in Australia and New Zealand begin to take effect. In 2022 and 2023 alone, it was reported that approximately 25,627 Fijians left the country, figures which were deemed the highest recorded since 2005.
Despite the ongoing challenges in Fiji’s local job market, including reports of declining job vacancies and skilled worker shortages, increased wages have positioned employers more competitively in an effort to retain staff. Wages reportedly rose by 10.3 percent amidst a broader 24.5 percent increase in tax collections, which points to an adaptive labor market responding positively to the economic landscape.
Fiji’s ongoing situation is a reminder of the intricate dynamics of global labor mobility and the potential for shifting policies to enhance local employment landscapes. As the country navigates these developments, there is hope that strengthening local conditions and addressing the root causes of emigration can lead to a more stable and prosperous future for its citizens.
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