The number of Fijian residents living in Australia has seen a remarkable surge, increasing from 76,370 in 2021 to 92,550 in 2024. This 21 percent rise is propelled by a burgeoning demand for overseas job opportunities, indicating a broader trend of outward migration from Fiji as many individuals strive for better living conditions and prospects beyond their home country. The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme has played a significant role in this development, with over 5,200 Fijians currently employed under the program as of July 2024. This total includes 4,363 in long-term positions and 1,010 in short-term roles.
Shamal Chand, a senior economist at Westpac Fiji, pointed out that while these migration opportunities are crucial for boosting household incomes through remittances, they are also contributing to deepening skill shortages within Fiji. Critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality are feeling the impact of this talent drain. Chand noted that Fiji is experiencing a demographic transformation, characterized by an increased dependency on foreign labor and the repercussions of strong outward migration.
In the previous year, 8,117 Fijian students enrolled in Australian educational institutions, though only about 4,000 officially began their studies. This trend hints at a growing inclination among students to use educational visas as a means to secure migration rather than for academic purposes. Despite recent policy changes limiting working hours for international students, enrollment figures remained robust, with 5,458 students recorded by May 2025.
Chand remarked that while the long-term migration for education and employment has somewhat stabilized since late 2022, there is a renewed interest among Fijians in seeking work abroad. To counteract the domestic labor shortages, Fiji has opened its doors to a sizable influx of foreign workers, primarily from South and Southeast Asia, who are filling gaps in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and tourism.
Though these migration trends bolster economic activity, they also pose significant challenges related to labor regulation, housing, and social integration. Migration continuously influences Fiji’s economic landscape, underscoring the immediate need for policies that enhance vocational training, streamline foreign worker permits, and encourage skilled Fijians to return home.
Chand highlighted that while remittances benefit household incomes and contribute to foreign reserves, the ongoing outflow of skilled labor illustrates an urgent requirement for initiatives aimed at strengthening Fiji’s workforce. By addressing these complex migration trends, Fiji can focus on nurturing local talent while simultaneously accommodating foreign workers, laying the groundwork for a thriving economic future that supports recovery and growth in the years to come.