Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad recently addressed concerns regarding the rising emigration of Fijians, asserting that this trend is not a new phenomenon tied to the current government. Speaking in Parliament, he refuted claims from the Opposition that the government is forcing citizens to leave the country, stating that migration patterns have persisted regardless of which administration is in power.
Citing official statistics, Prof Prasad highlighted that significant outflows of Fijians already occurred during prior administrations, with 26,426 people leaving in 2016 and 27,000 in 2017 under the Bainimarama government. He noted that the numbers continued to increase in recent years, reaching 28,504 in 2022 and escalating to 29,719 in 2023, coinciding with the post-COVID reopening of borders in Australia and New Zealand. Interestingly, he mentioned a drop in emigration to 22,433 in 2024.
The Deputy Prime Minister clarified that the reasons for migration include educational pursuits, employment opportunities, and family reunification, rather than solely political or negative conditions within Fiji. He criticized the Leader of the Opposition for allegedly manipulating migration issues for political advantage and emphasized the need to view the broader global and economic context regarding emigration.
Similar articles in recent months have echoed these sentiments, reflecting on how the sheer number of Fijians migrating abroad has shifted significantly over the years. Reports indicated an increase in outflows post-COVID, with over 100,000 Fijians having sought better opportunities abroad. Economists have pointed out that this trend may not persist as both Australia and New Zealand are implementing stricter migration policies, which could lead to a decline in the number of people leaving Fiji.
About 58,223 Fijians were estimated to have left for various reasons between 2022 and 2023, but a more optimistic analysis suggests the net population loss due to migration was around 25,627, which translates to approximately 2.9% of Fiji’s total population. Experts predict that as these countries tighten their immigration laws, the flow of emigrants may slow down, potentially enabling better job opportunities and economic conditions to stabilize within Fiji.
This ongoing dialogue serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics of global labor mobility and the hopeful possibility that strengthening local employment opportunities can result in a more prosperous future for Fiji’s citizens. Addressing these challenges could lead to both improved conditions at home and the return of skilled professionals eager to contribute to national growth.