Suva
The Fijian government is taking steps to enhance the work permit process and facilitate the return of workers to address labor shortages in critical sectors, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad. During the 2023 Human Capital Ministerial Conclave’s plenary session on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, Prasad discussed Fiji’s focus on improving its immigration department’s operations and supporting the private sector. Migration has been a significant issue for Fiji in recent times, with approximately 10 percent of its formal workforce relocating to more developed neighboring countries over the past 18 months. Prasad emphasized the importance of technical, vocational, and enterprise education and training (TVET) programs in Fiji’s schools and tertiary institutions. He highlighted TVET programs as a contemporary solution to elevate the Fijian economy by expanding its human capital and nurturing skilled workers. The government is actively working to rebuild the technical education system, address skills gaps, and collaborate with established service providers, including the newly established Pacific Polytech. Skills development and training at all educational levels are central to Fiji’s strategy, with the private sector playing a pivotal role in this initiative.
