Over 222,000 Fijians living abroad

Over 222,000 people who were born in Fiji are living abroad.

This has been revealed in Fiji’s first ever Migration Profile Report titled “Migration in the Republic of Fiji: A Country Profile 2020”.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Fiji Bureau of Statistics CEO, Kemueli Naiqama says this report was developed as the availability of migration data was a challenge in Fiji.

Naiqama says this report will provide the platform for government ministries and departments to share available migration data to identify gaps and discuss policy implication on migration in Fiji.

According to the report, 95% of Fijian emigrants live in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

It also says there are more Fijians in Australia, but the number of Fijians in New Zealand has grown faster over the past two decades.

Naiqama adds the impacts of migration have been positive as more Fijians are sending money home to assist their families to meet their basic needs, especially after natural disasters.

He further says Fiji’s migration trends and characteristics continues to shape the country’s development.

The International Organization for Migration provided technical and financial support to the 13 government ministries, Fiji Immigration Department and Fiji Bureau of Statistics for this report.