Student visas have emerged as a popular migration pathway for many Fijians looking to make their way to Australia. In the past year alone, 8,117 Fijian students enrolled in Australian institutions, although only about 4,000 actually initiated their studies. This ongoing trend has been noted in Westpac’s recent Fiji Economic Update and Outlook, highlighting the significant role of education in migration strategies.
Between 2021 and 2024, the number of Fiji-born residents in Australia increased from 76,370 to 92,550, which represents a substantial 21% growth. Despite recent policy changes that have reduced part-time working hours for international students, the student visa route remains an active option for Fijians, with enrolments projected to reach 5,458 by May 2025.
The report reveals that long-term departures from Fiji, primarily for education, employment, and emigration, have shown signs of stabilization since late 2022, providing some relief for the local labor market. However, there has been a slight rise in Fijians seeking overseas employment lately. As of July 2025, 5,205 Fijians were employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme, comprising 4,363 in long-term positions and 1,010 in short-term roles. While these employment opportunities generate income and boost remittances, they also exacerbate skill shortages in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
To address these skill gaps, Fiji has seen an influx of foreign workers, primarily from South and Southeast Asia, who are filling roles across construction, manufacturing, and tourism. While this foreign labor support is beneficial for economic activity, it poses challenges regarding labor regulation, housing, and social integration in Fiji.
The ongoing changes in migration patterns indicate that migration continues to play a crucial role in Fiji’s economic landscape. Although remittances strengthen household incomes and foreign reserves, the persistent outflow of skilled workers highlights the critical need for policies aimed at enhancing vocational training and easing the process for foreign worker permits. Additionally, creating incentives for skilled Fijians to return home could be vital for strengthening the workforce and fostering economic stability.
As Australia’s stricter migration policies approach, there is cautious optimism that this may create a more favorable situation for Fiji’s domestic workforce, potentially leading to a revitalization of the economy as returning citizens contribute to local development and reduced population loss. The intersections of these migration dynamics present both challenges and opportunities that are key to shaping Fiji’s economic future.