About 15,528 Fijians left the country between January 2023 to February 2024, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua has informed Parliament.
In a written response, he said these were skilled and professional Fijian citizens departing for work, education, or migration purposes.
Mr Tikoduadua said the specific sectors of engagement or employment abroad could not be identified from the passenger departure declaration or departure card.
“Apart from the Seasonal Work Scheme and PALM program, Fijian citizens were likely to pursue opportunities in various sectors and professional fields abroad, including but not limited to healthcare, finance and accounting, information technology (IT), engineering, hospitality and education,” he said.
“Permanent migration is also increasing due to migration pathways offered by countries such as US on the Green Card lottery, New Zealand on the Pacific Access category and Australia through the Pacific permanent resident visa program for nationals of participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.”
