Fiji’s Talent Drain: Can Local Employers Turn the Tide?

Fiji is facing a significant challenge as local graduates are leaving the country in search of better-paying job opportunities abroad. Expatriates in Fiji receive salaries up to three times higher than their local counterparts, according to Dr. Daniel Wood, Senior Fellow and Discipline Coordinator in Mechanical Engineering at the University of the South Pacific. This disparity is contributing to a talent drain that poses serious concerns for the nation’s future.

Dr. Wood emphasized that while Fiji produces strong engineering graduates, many opt for employment in countries like Australia and New Zealand, drawn by more attractive financial packages. He noted that this trend is not only limited to the engineering sector but affects a variety of fields, including transport and infrastructure. The ongoing brain drain will persist unless local companies and development agencies align their compensation and career growth opportunities with what is offered to expatriates.

Supporting this alarming trend is data from the Reserve Bank of Fiji, which recently reported a notable decline in emigration, with a 33.3% drop in resident departures due to stricter migration criteria imposed by Australia and New Zealand. While this may bring some immediate relief to Fiji’s labor market, the underlying issue of talent retention remains critical.

Many employers are responding to the skills shortage by raising wages in a bid to retain current employees. The RBF noted a 10.3% increase in wages, reflecting efforts to improve retention in the face of ongoing challenges. As companies start to enhance their offers and create pathways for career advancement, there is hope for a more stable job market that can attract and maintain local talent.

In summary, while the outflow of skilled workers is currently declining, it is imperative for local industries to shift their strategies towards not only attracting talent but preserving the skills and expertise of their workforce. By fostering an environment where local graduates feel valued and compensated fairly, Fiji can work towards rebuilding its intellectual resources and strengthening its economy for the future.