Seruiratu says 40,000 Fijians left between 2022-2023, worsening skills shortage

Over 40,000 people leaving our shores between 2022 and 2023 has placed immense pressure on Fiji’s workforce.

While opposing the 2025/2026 National Budget, the Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu highlighted that this figure represents a net migration of 5 percent, with many of those departing permanently being skilled professionals, particularly in the education and health sectors, creating a growing skills shortage in these critical areas.

Seruiratu says before 2018, an average of 9,000 Fijians emigrated each year in search of better opportunities overseas, whereas in 2019 alone, over 25,000 people left the country, either temporarily or permanently.

Seruiratu says the continued exodus has strained the country’s workforce, and with a shrinking working-age population, Fiji now faces serious challenges in sustaining economic growth.

He adds that the chronic labour shortage is also impacting other key sectors, including health, tourism, and the primary industries.

Seruiratu stresses that the government must be strategic in allocating resources to education, ensuring that funding is directed to areas where skills are needed most, so the gaps created by migration can be filled in a timely manner.

He also highlighted concerns about Fiji’s investment landscape, saying it could be significantly improved. Seruiratu says many investors are facing challenges due to high operating costs, leading businesses to take a cautious approach toward medium-term investments.

He adds that the government must work to create a more investor-friendly environment and streamline processes to address existing concerns.

Seruiratu emphasises that investment is crucial for developing countries, as it drives economic growth, generates employment, and improves essential infrastructure, elements vital for the people and for Fiji’s overall economic progress.