The Fijian government has affirmed that the influx of migrant workers poses no threat to the nation’s economy or its local workforce. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel emphasized that, despite a growing number of migrant workers entering the labor market, concerns regarding economic income outflows are unfounded.
Currently, the outflows stand at approximately $400 million, while inflows reached nearly $1.4 billion in the past year, with projections suggesting further increases this year. Immanuel noted that the construction industry continues to be the primary employer of migrant workers, particularly to address labor shortages that have arisen in various sectors.
He specifically mentioned that Bangladeshi workers are currently filling important gaps in the labor market and clarified their temporary nature in the country: “They won’t be here for the long term, but once we have sufficient numbers, we will probably slow down the intake of Bangladeshi workers.” This reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that the integration of migrant labor aligns with the country’s long-term workforce needs.
In addition, the Minister highlighted government initiatives aimed at retaining local skilled workers and minimizing reliance on overseas labor. To support this goal, training programs and increased funding are being introduced to develop and maintain a skilled workforce within Fiji.
The government’s proactive measures and commitment to fostering local talent demonstrate a hopeful approach as Fiji navigates the challenges of labor shortages while continuing to thrive economically.