The number of Fijian residents in Australia has experienced a significant increase from 76,370 in 2021 to 92,550 in 2024, marking a 21 percent rise fueled by a growing demand for work opportunities abroad. This shift is indicative of a broader trend towards outward migration from Fiji as individuals seek better prospects internationally. The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme has been particularly effective, with 5,205 Fijians employed under the program as of July 2024, including 4,363 in long-term positions and a further 1,010 in short-term roles.
Shamal Chand, a senior economist at Westpac Fiji, highlighted that while these migration opportunities provide vital income and increase remittance flows into Fiji, they are contributing to escalating domestic skill shortages, especially in crucial sectors such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality. Chand observed that Fiji is undergoing a significant demographic shift characterized by an increased reliance on foreign labor and the impact of strong outward migration.
Last year, for example, 8,117 Fijian students were enrolled in Australian institutions, yet only 4,000 commenced their studies. This trend suggests that many are utilizing student visas primarily as a migration pathway rather than for educational purposes. Despite the tightening of policies that limit working hours for international students, enrollment numbers remain strong, with 5,458 recorded by May 2025.
Chand further noted that although long-term departures for education, employment, and emigration have somewhat eased since late 2022, there has been a recent uptick in Fijians seeking employment abroad. To address domestic labor shortages, Fiji has welcomed an influx of foreign workers primarily from South and Southeast Asia, filling roles mainly in construction, manufacturing, and tourism.
While these developments bolster economic activities, they also create challenges related to labor regulation, housing, and social integration. Migration continues to shape the economic landscape of Fiji, highlighting the necessity for policies that enhance vocational training, streamline foreign worker permits, and incentivize skilled Fijians to return.
Chand emphasizes that while remittances significantly boost household incomes and foreign reserves, the ongoing outflow of skilled labor underscores an urgent need for initiatives that fortify Fiji’s workforce. As the nation navigates these complex migration dynamics, the dual focus on fostering local talent while accommodating foreign labor could pave the way for a robust economic future, aiding both recovery and growth in the years to come.