The Fijian Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, has forecasted a seven percent increase in remittances for the year, projecting the total to reach $1.4 billion. This announcement was made during a parliamentary debate on the national budget. Last year, inward remittances totaled approximately $1.33 billion.
Singh attributed this anticipated surge primarily to labor mobility initiatives established through partnerships with Australia and New Zealand. As of May 2025, about 10,500 Fijians are employed in Australia, and over 4,600 are working in New Zealand under programs such as the Recognized Seasonal Employer and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility schemes. He emphasized that these labor mobility programs are crucial for driving Fiji’s remittance growth and improving worker welfare.
The minister applauded the government’s efforts to enhance support services for workers both domestically and abroad. He noted significant improvements, such as filling staff shortages in the Ministry of Employment and adding country liaison officers in Australia and New Zealand to assist Fijian workers.
Singh’s acknowledgment of ongoing support from the Australian and New Zealand governments reflects a collaborative effort to ensure the well-being of workers outside Fiji. Country liaison officers play a pivotal role in providing pastoral care and promoting Fiji while supporting the interests of workers in both countries.
By highlighting both the expected remittance growth and the initiatives aimed at protecting worker rights, this report paints a hopeful picture for Fiji’s economic outlook. As families benefit from increases in remittances, it is expected to bolster household welfare and contribute positively to the overall economy of Fiji, paving the way for increased spending and improved living conditions.
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