Labour market conditions in Fiji have shown signs of continued softening as 2025 draws to a close, according to the latest Economic Review published by the Reserve Bank of Fiji. The report highlights a 3 percent decrease in job advertisements from the previous year, which reflects a decline in labour demand across multiple sectors.
Despite this downward trend, the report also notes a 1.5 percent increase in formal employment registrations with the Fiji National Provident Fund up to October. This suggests that, in spite of recruitment challenges, more individuals are entering the formal workforce.
Moreover, a significant 10.1 percent decrease in long-term resident departures was reported, indicating that fewer Fijians are leaving the country for extended periods. This trend could lend some relief to the local labour market, helping to mitigate the effects of declining job opportunities.
In contrast, temporary migration through seasonal worker schemes experienced a modest uptick of 0.3 percent. However, the number of approved work permits saw a staggering decline of 87.2 percent in the same time frame leading up to November, highlighting the challenges faced in attracting foreign labour.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji indicated that these mixed indicators point to a stabilizing labour market that still faces specific challenges, particularly as the economy works to recover from the pandemic’s lasting impacts and navigates existing global uncertainties.
Amidst these difficulties, the rise in formal employment registrations coupled with fewer long-term departures presents a hopeful indication that the labour market in Fiji may stabilize and rebound in the near future.