Student visas have become an increasingly appealing pathway for Fijians aspiring to migrate to Australia for educational opportunities. In the past year, a total of 8,117 Fijian students enrolled in Australian institutions, though approximately 4,000 of these individuals began their studies. This trend is underscored in Westpac’s latest Fiji Economic Update and Outlook, which emphasizes the significant impact of education on migration strategies.
Between 2021 and 2024, the population of Fiji-born residents in Australia rose from 76,370 to 92,550, signifying a notable increase of 21%. Even with recent policy adjustments that have limited part-time work hours for international students, the student visa route remains a viable option for many Fijians, with further enrolments expected to reach 5,458 by May 2025.
The report indicates that long-term departures from Fiji, primarily for educational, employment, and migration purposes, have shown signs of stabilization since late 2022, offering some respite for the local labor market. However, there has been a modest rise in the number of Fijians pursuing job opportunities abroad. As of July 2025, 5,205 Fijians were employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme, which includes 4,363 in long-term positions and 1,010 in short-term roles. While these employment avenues contribute to income and bolster remittances, they also highlight a growing shortage of skilled workers in critical sectors like construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
To mitigate these skill shortages, Fiji has welcomed an influx of foreign workers, mainly from South and Southeast Asia, who are filling essential positions across construction, manufacturing, and tourism. While the presence of foreign labor aids economic activity, it also presents challenges related to labor regulations, housing availability, and social integration.
The evolving migration patterns underscore the essential role of migration in shaping Fiji’s economic framework. Remittances from overseas workers enhance household incomes and bolster foreign reserves. However, the ongoing emigration of skilled labor necessitates the implementation of policies aimed at improving vocational training and streamlining foreign worker permit processes. Additionally, creating incentives for skilled Fijians to return home is crucial for enhancing the local workforce and promoting economic stability.
With Australia’s stricter migration policies on the horizon, there is a cautious sense of optimism that these changes may favor Fiji’s domestic workforce. This could potentially lead to an economic revival as returning Fijians play an active role in local development and mitigate population decline. The interplay of these migration dynamics presents a combination of challenges and opportunities that are pivotal in guiding Fiji’s economic trajectory.