Fiji’s job market continues to show strong ties to agriculture and sales, with more than a third of the workforce engaged in these sectors, according to the recent 2023-2024 Employment and Unemployment Survey released by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics. Skilled agricultural and fishery workers account for 18.4 percent of total employment, while another 18 percent are in service and sales roles.
The survey reveals a clear rural-urban divide in employment patterns, with rural communities dominating agricultural positions and urban areas leading in sales and services. The report highlights that clerical, technical, and professional jobs represent a smaller fraction of the workforce, indicating a gradual shift towards white-collar employment, albeit at a slow pace.
Currently, the Bureau of Statistics reports that Fiji has 194,733 individuals employed in the formal sector, alongside 97,654 working in informal positions, and just over 4,400 in the household sector. This data underscores the persistent reliance on primary and service sectors for employment in the nation.
These findings echo previous reports of considerable challenges within Fiji’s labor market, particularly regarding issues such as high unemployment rates, notably among youth, and significant disparities between male and female labor force participation. The survey indicated that 51.2 percent of individuals aged 15 and above are either unemployed or not actively seeking work, emphasizing the need for initiatives aligning education with market demands to enhance job readiness.
Despite the current challenges, a recent trend noted by the Reserve Bank of Fiji indicates a decrease in emigration rates, offering a hopeful prospect for better job stability and potential growth within the domestic workforce. As more Fijians choose to remain in the country, it may lead to an increase in skilled labor availability, offering promising avenues for economic recovery and improved employment opportunities in various sectors.
Overall, while Fiji faces significant labor market challenges, ongoing reforms in education and training, combined with a gradual stabilization in emigration trends, could foster a brighter economic future and a more resilient workforce poised for development.
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