Job advertisements in Fiji saw a decline of 7.2 percent as of June, indicating a easing in job market pressures, according to the latest August Economic Review from the Reserve Bank of Fiji.
This decrease is partly due to companies reassessing their hiring plans in light of increasing operating costs. The Reserve Bank of Fiji noted that around 150 companies are included in the Department of Immigration’s Qualified Employers List, allowing them to recruit foreign labor to address skill shortages.
Moreover, stricter migration policies in other countries have contributed to a decrease in the number of Fijians emigrating. From January to July, the number of individuals departing for employment, education, or other reasons dropped by 33.3 percent, which may have led to fewer resignations and consequently lower job vacancies.
The Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, issued a directive on May 1, 2024, exempting nearly 150 companies from submitting specific information to Immigration Fiji when applying for Priority Work Permits for foreign recruits. This includes:
– Justification for not hiring a Fijian citizen for the position
– Evidence of advertisements for the vacancy
– Explanations for local applicants’ unsuitability
– Details on the training provided for local candidates
– Identification of local personnel to be trained.
The names of these companies are available on the Qualified Employers List published by the Fiji Immigration Department.