Fiji’s loss of skilled citizens to overseas opportunities is no longer a distant concern.
It is now a structural issue affecting how the country functions.
The estimate of 100,000 people leaving, raised by Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel, reflects a steady erosion of capacity across the country.
Mr Immanuel highlighted the gravity of this skill migration during the BSP Life Fiji Human Resources Institute Annual Convention in Nadi yesterday.
The effects of this brain drain are manifested in delayed policies, reduced service delivery, and over stretched public institutions that are struggling to keep pace with citizens’ demands.
The situation within the ministry itself, operating with a 40 per cent capacity gap, is a concern.
When the institutions responsible for driving economic and policy reforms are understaffed, the consequences extend beyond administration.
Decisions slow down. Implementation weakens and plans turn to broken promises.
Over time, confi dence in systems begins to erode YOUR SAY and people’s trust in institutions wane.
This is not an abstract problem.
It is already shaping outcomes across the country’s public and private sectors.
Among other initiatives, Government responses so far have focused on wages and job security.
Minimum wage increases and permanent contracts are important steps, but they may not adequately resolve the underlying issue.
As Mr Immanuel noted, dissatisfaction persists.
That signals a deeper disconnect between what is being offered and what workers are seeking.
“That is telling us something different. That salary is not the defi ning factor of our workforce,” Mr Immanuel said.
“You must go beyond service level solutions and identify the root causes of dissatisfaction.”
There is a need for authentic leaders in Fiji’s work force as the world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technological advancements. The need for sustainability is equally important.
To embrace change and adaptation, these leaders must foster development that encourages innovation and empowers the local workforce.
The Minister’s remarks also highlight the important role that human resource practitioners play.
Fiji’s challenge is to create an environment where skilled citizens can anchor their future and dreams. This includes reliable systems and processes, fair treatment of workers, realistic pathways for advancement, and a sense of pride and purpose in their work.
Reversing the current trend in skill migration will not be without challenge. It will require care fully coordinated action across government, employers, and training institutions. It will also require honest assessment of why people are leaving and what can be done to arrest the alarming trend.
Fiji cannot aff ord to treat this as a temporary issue. The loss of skilled people weakens the country’s ability to grow, innovate, and respond to challenges that the future may bring. Addressing it must be a priority now, not an afterthought or something to be actioned later.
