More people leave Fiji than those who are coming in and if Fiji has a population of a million, between 200,000 to 300,000 are living outside of Fiji.
This has been highlighted by Minister for Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua who says the size of Fiji’s immigrant population compared to our population sits between 20 percent to 30 percent.
He says Australia remains the highest destination for immigration, which in 2019 alone set over 70,000 and between 2000 and 2016, 51 percent of Fijians leaving for Australia went through the skills stream.
The Minister says these figures are expected to increase because of the Pacific Labour Scheme.
He further says permanent and long-term migration from Fiji has continuously increased over the years and massive migration include permanent departure of highly qualified and professionally trained people.
Tikoduadua says the emigration of skilled workers has been particularly concerning for Fiji’s small labour market.
The Minister says it is estimated that more Fijians have left Fiji permanently where Australia has been the preferred destination country, followed by Canada, the United States and New Zealand.
He says however, research suggests that skilled losses may be less significant than previously thought based solely on emigration figures, because not all of these young men will actually emigrate.
Tikoduadua adds prospect of migration may encourage them to stay in school and receive additional training, resulting in a net increase in the skill levels of Fiji’s domestic labour market.
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