Fiji is grappling with a significant migration challenge as nearly 12% of its population, approximately 114,000 people, have left the country since 2018. Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad revealed in Parliament that many Fijians pursue better job opportunities and education abroad, contributing to a growing brain drain that leaves families and communities in distress. This outflow has exacerbated local labor shortages, particularly due to underinvestment in workforce development and a disconnect between training programs and industry needs.
To mitigate these challenges, the Fijian government is introducing a new merit-based scholarship scheme aimed at equipping young people with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive without seeking employment overseas. This initiative reflects efforts to retain local talent and address the diminishing workforce.
Prasad expressed concerns over the demographic trends influencing Fiji’s population growth, highlighting a significant decline in the total fertility rate from about four births per woman in the 1980s to approximately 2.3 births in 2023, as per World Bank estimates. This reduction results from various socio-economic factors, including migration patterns and health challenges.
Concerns regarding the impact on the healthcare sector were raised by Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj, who noted shortages of allied health workers as educational institutions struggle to accommodate sufficient numbers of students. He pointed out that many health facilities are left understaffed, relying heavily on nurse practitioners rather than fully qualified medical officers.
In response, Professor Prasad noted that effective industry involvement is crucial for providing relevant technical training to students. He emphasized the need to bridge the skill gaps created by the closure of technical colleges, which has hampered Fiji’s ability to replace skilled professionals who have emigrated.
Recent reports indicate that although the talent drain poses serious concerns, there might be a turning point on the horizon. The Reserve Bank of Fiji has observed a 33.3% decrease in resident departures due to stricter immigration conditions in Australia and New Zealand, which may allow for some stabilization and recovery in the local labor market. Employers are also proactively responding to the skilled labor shortage by raising wages, demonstrating a commitment to retaining their workforce.
Overall, while Fiji continues to face significant challenges regarding labor migration and skills representation, the proactive measures being implemented by the government and the potential for returning citizens present a hopeful prospect for rebuilding local capacities and strengthening the economy in the long term.