Fiji Faces Workforce Strain as Employers Seek Foreign Workers
Fiji is experiencing significant labor shortages, prompting nearly 11% of employers to apply for work permits for foreign workers between August 2023 and January 2025. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted these challenges during the launch of the National Skills Gap Assessment Survey Report. The shortages are driven by rising domestic demand, labor mobility, and global competition for talent. Approximately 6,460 permits have been issued in critical sectors such as construction, manufacturing, tourism, retail, and services. The report indicates a mismatch between education and industry demands, with many youths disengaged from employment and education. 
