The labor market in Fiji saw a significant decline in paid employment during 2021, with the total number of paid employees decreasing by 17.2 percent due to the continuing impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Annual Paid Employment Survey from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, the number of individuals employed in registered establishments fell from 137,496 in 2020 to just 113,898 as of June 2021. This decrease reflects business closures, dormant operations, and reductions in staff numbers across various sectors.
Within this context, wage earners constituted 58,205 employees, making up 51.1 percent of the workforce, while salary earners accounted for slightly fewer with 55,693, or 48.9 percent. Notably, the Public Administration and Defence sector experienced an uptick of 5.2 percent, bringing its employee count to 17,226, while other sectors such as manufacturing, wholesale, retail trade, and accommodation struggled with job losses.
In light of these challenges, the Reserve Bank of Fiji has reported some easing in labor market pressures due to reduced emigration rates and rising disposable incomes. Recent analyses indicate that the number of Fijians leaving for employment or education abroad decreased by approximately 33.3 percent in the earlier part of 2024. These shifts in labor trends reflect a tighter labor market, potentially providing new avenues for local employment growth and stability.
While the statistics indicate a current downturn, the recent stabilization in labor supply and decline in outward migration could signal a gradual recovery for Fiji’s economy. As businesses adapt to changing conditions and work to retain skilled labor, there may be promising developments for future employment opportunities in the country.
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