Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad recently addressed the increasing emigration of Fijians, emphasizing that this trend is not a new issue linked to the current administration. In his speech to Parliament, he rejected claims from the Opposition suggesting that the government is driving citizens to leave the country, stating that migration patterns have remained consistent across different governments.
Citing official data, Prof Prasad pointed out that significant departures of Fijians were recorded during previous administrations, with 26,426 people emigrating in 2016 and 27,000 in 2017 under the Bainimarama government. He observed that the figures have continued to rise in recent years, hitting 28,504 in 2022 and climbing to 29,719 in 2023, which correlates with the post-COVID reopening of borders in Australia and New Zealand. However, he also noted a decrease in emigration, with numbers dropping to 22,433 in 2024.
The Deputy Prime Minister clarified that factors driving migration include educational opportunities, job prospects, and family reunification, rather than being solely a consequence of political or adverse conditions in Fiji. He accused the Leader of the Opposition of politicizing migration for personal gain and stressed the importance of understanding the broader global and economic context of emigration.
Similar analyses in recent months have noted the significant increase in Fijians seeking opportunities abroad, with over 100,000 individuals migrating post-COVID. Economists suggest that this trend may not continue, as Australia and New Zealand are tightening their migration regulations, which could diminish the flow of Fijians leaving their homeland.
Between 2022 and 2023, around 58,223 Fijians reportedly left for various reasons. However, a more optimistic view posits that the net population loss due to emigration stands at approximately 25,627, representing about 2.9% of Fiji’s total population. Experts anticipate that as immigration policies become more stringent in the destination countries, the rate of emigration may slow, potentially allowing Fiji to enhance local job opportunities and improve economic conditions.
This ongoing discussion highlights the complex nature of global labor mobility and the hopeful outlook that bolstering local employment can lead to a brighter future for Fijian citizens. By addressing these challenges, there may be enhanced conditions at home, encouraging skilled professionals to return and contribute to the nation’s development.