Fiji is currently facing a critical skills and labor crisis that poses significant risks to its economic and developmental progress. Both public and private sectors are grappling with unprecedented difficulties in sourcing, recruiting, and retaining workers with diverse skill sets. A noticeable absence of a nationally verified list of skills gaps has exacerbated this issue, complicating efforts to address the current labor shortage.
In light of these challenges, the Ministry of Immigration has also struggled to efficiently consider and process work permit applications due to the lack of a comprehensive skills gap framework. Commencing on November 1, a National Skills & Labour Demand Survey is set to be launched. This initiative aims to establish a verified list of labor and skills gaps in Fiji, with the goal of capturing present needs as well as forecasting future labor demands over the next 6 to 12 months.
The survey is spearheaded by the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) in collaboration with the Fiji Human Resource Institute (FHRI) and supported by various local and international agencies. The Fiji Bureau of Statistics will manage the logistical aspects of the survey, which will run until December 31, 2025. Insightful data from this initiative will contribute to the National Human Resources Development Plan.
The urgency of this survey stems from the alarming trend of both skilled and unskilled workers emigrating in large numbers. Significant numbers of Fijians, approximately 15,000, are currently engaged in seasonal work programs in Australia and New Zealand. A reported 1,133 Fijians left the country for overseas job opportunities in a single month in September 2025, adding to the 20,000 registered with the National Employment Centre for labor mobility schemes, where they are not able to work locally. Additionally, the $1.5 billion in remittances sent back to Fiji is encouraging many working-age individuals to forgo local employment opportunities.
The imbalance between the labor supply and demand is troubling, particularly as local educational institutions struggle to provide the necessary graduates with the right skills and knowledge. For example, only about 50% of the 9,000 students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses at the Fiji National University are expected to complete their programs. Current unemployment figures are stark, with 18,073 Fijians jobless and youth aged 15 to 24 facing an unsettling 26.6% unemployment rate.
Simultaneously, various construction projects worth about $2 billion are underway, increasing demand for foreign workers. To date, foreign workers account for approximately 3-4% of Fiji’s total employed labor force, with over 8,000 work permits issued between August 2023 and January 2025.
Support for the National Skills & Labour Demand Survey comes from the Fijian government, which has allocated over $110,000 for this initiative. A national taskforce, including members from the Higher Education Commission of Fiji and the International Labour Organization (ILO), is working to ensure smooth planning and implementation.
While the current labor market statistics highlight serious challenges, there is a hopeful narrative emerging from collaborative initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap. By fostering cooperation among various sectors—government, businesses, educational institutions—there exists the potential to create sustainable job opportunities and a more skilled workforce. If successfully implemented, these strategies could not only improve the current job market but also set a solid foundation for long-term economic stability and growth in Fiji.