The Department of Immigration in Fiji has reported receiving an impressive 596 work applications from foreign nationals looking to secure employment this month. Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto shared these details during the Pacific Polytech graduation ceremony in Tavua, highlighting a growing trend of reliance on foreign labor among local businesses.
The Minister, who has been meeting with employers across the nation, indicated that a significant number of businesses are finding it challenging to fill vacancies with local workers, citing issues related to attendance and work ethic. Naupoto noted, “Local workers, they don’t come to work. They say usually on Monday and Friday, no one is coming to work. Foreign workers, they will just work — they never miss work.” However, he clarified that this observation does not reflect all Fijian workers and encouraged recent graduates to demonstrate commitment and a strong work ethic.
This current interest in foreign labor aligns with previously reported trends, where over 700 companies sought work permits to address critical labor shortages in various sectors, particularly in construction and tourism. The significant issuance of over 6,460 work permits between August 2023 and January 2025 underscores an urgent demand for workers in Fiji’s economy.
The government’s ongoing efforts to improve the labor market face concerns from groups like the Fiji Trades Union Congress. They argue that foreign workers are increasingly filling roles traditionally held by locals, raising the need for enhanced oversight on work permits to protect local employment interests.
Overall, while challenges persist, the increasing engagement of both foreign and local workers can create opportunities for economic growth in Fiji. If recent graduates and local labor entrants can adopt a proactive and committed approach to their careers, it may shift the current narrative and strengthen the local workforce, allowing Fiji to foster a more balanced labor market.
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