Fiji is confronting a pivotal skills and labor crisis that threatens its economic and developmental advancement. The public and private sectors are both experiencing formidable challenges in recruiting and retaining a workforce equipped with a diverse range of skills. A significant barrier to addressing this issue is the lack of a nationally verified list of skills gaps, leading to complications in tackling the ongoing labor shortage.
To mitigate these challenges, the Ministry of Immigration has encountered difficulties in efficiently processing work permit applications, a situation worsened by the absence of a comprehensive framework to identify skills shortages. To combat this, a National Skills & Labour Demand Survey is set to commence on November 1. This initiative aims to establish an officially recognized list of labor and skills gaps in Fiji, capturing immediate needs and forecasting labor demands for the upcoming 6 to 12 months.
The survey, which is being led by the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) in conjunction with the Fiji Human Resource Institute (FHRI), is further supported by a range of local and international organizations. The Fiji Bureau of Statistics will manage the survey logistics, which is scheduled to run until December 31, 2025. The data gathered will be essential in contributing to the National Human Resources Development Plan.
The urgency for this survey is underscored by a concerning trend where both skilled and unskilled Fijians are emigrating in substantial numbers. Approximately 15,000 Fijians are currently participating in seasonal work programs in Australia and New Zealand. Just in September 2025 alone, 1,133 Fijians opted for overseas job opportunities, further compounding the issue alongside the 20,000 individuals registered with the National Employment Centre for labor mobility programs, which restrict their ability to work locally. Additionally, the $1.5 billion in annual remittances sent back to Fiji encourages many working-age individuals to overlook local employment potentials.
The widening gap between labor supply and demand is alarming, particularly as local educational institutions struggle to produce graduates with the requisite skills. It is reported that only about half of the 9,000 students enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs at Fiji National University are expected to complete their studies. The current unemployment crisis is stark, with 18,073 Fijians out of work and a youth unemployment rate of 26.6% among those aged 15 to 24.
Moreover, various construction projects worth an estimated $2 billion are intensifying the need for foreign labor. Presently, foreign workers make up roughly 3-4% of Fiji’s employed labor force, with over 8,000 work permits issued between August 2023 and January 2025.
The Fijian government is supporting the National Skills & Labour Demand Survey with an allocation of over $110,000. A national taskforce, including representatives from the Higher Education Commission of Fiji and the International Labour Organization (ILO), is actively working to ensure the effective planning and execution of this initiative.
Despite the alarming statistics surrounding the labor market, a hopeful narrative is emerging from the collaborative efforts aimed at bridging the existing skills gap. By fostering cooperation among diverse sectors—including government, businesses, and educational institutions—there is potential for sustainable job creation and a more skilled workforce. If these strategies are successfully implemented, they could vastly improve the current job market while laying a robust foundation for long-term economic stability and growth in Fiji.