5 December, 2025, 6:22 pm Central - 25°C Clouds

Fully integrated Pacific region with a visa free arrangement is a crucial part of a short term fix for major skill migration – Prof.Prasad

Fully integrated Pacific region with a visa free arrangement is a crucial part of a short term fix for major skill migration – Prof.Prasad

By Vijay Narayan
26/09/2023
[Image: Fiji Government]

Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad says Fiji is currently going through a major skill migration and this has the potential to harm our fragile post pandemic economic progress.

While speaking at the ADB-Asian Think Tank Development Forum Pacific Island Economies: “Aiming for Sustainable Economic Development in the Midst of Growing Uncertainties” in Suva today, Professor Prasad says we need to rethink how to rebuild the human resource infrastructure across the Pacific.

He says he has said before that a fully integrated Pacific region with a visa free arrangement is a crucial part of this fix, and this has to be a short term goal – not a long term one.

Professor Prasad says this Forum fosters an environment of open and constructive discussions.

He says the People’s Coalition Government is open to ideas, it welcomes criticism informed by critical thinking, and the Government seeks the Forum’s partnership to co-create solutions.

FEATURE NEWS
Attorney General must work closely with the GCC on reform of native land laws - President
The principle of free, prior, informed consent or the requirement for effective consultations is crucial to the reform of our laws on native land and ...
1 hour ago
LATEST NEWS
Deaf respondents were among the most affected by online abuse during COVID-19 survey
Findings from the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation and the Disability Rights Fund survey show that during COVID-19, 24 percent of respondents ...
23 minutes ago

$140,000 renovation project of Empower Pacific Counselling Centre aims to provide improved services
A $140,000 renovation project, funded through a donation by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has seen the soft-launch of the Empower ...
49 minutes ago

People's Fiji and Next Gen Alliance Party applications released for public objection
The Fijian Elections Office has confirmed the publication of applications from two proposed political parties. Speaking to the media, Supervisor ...
1 hour ago

Tourism Fiji strengthens its engagement with operators in Vanua Levu and Taveuni
A platform for open discussion on opportunities, constraints, and pathways to improve tourism outcomes in Vanua Levu and Taveuni was the main focus ...
2 hours ago

Vou makes history as first Fijians to headline major NZ Arts Festival
A proud moment for Fiji’s creative industry is on the horizon, as Vou Dance Company prepares to make history on two of New Zealand’s major arts ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Law Society Convention 2025
There is a constant struggle that we seem to have in Fiji with upholding and respecting the rule of law, and in my view, I think it starts at the ...
8 hours ago

Tribunal case of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Nakarawa
Tribunal proceedings for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Nakarawa are underway, focusing on allegations of misbehaviour during his tenure as ...
8 hours ago

Inspire Pacific Founder Ben Morrison and Peer Mentor Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Pastor Ben Morrison and Tikiko Tavualevu on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan as they discuss Inspire Pacific’s specialised ...
1 day ago

TOP