The topic of labour mobility has had the country in a bind for a while now.
It is an issue felt across all sectors – from the white to blue collar jobs – as countries like Australia and New Zealand offer better pay and lucrative incentives for many Fijian workers.
But the phenomenon is not a new one, says Naren Prasad, the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) head of education and training for research.
Originally from Dreketi, Mr Prasad told this newspaper that migration was a complex issue, and it was not unique to Fiji.
“People will always seek better opportunities elsewhere if they feel they cannot achieve their aspirations at home,” he said.
“However, we should not view migration as a solution to our economic challenges. Instead, we need to address the factors that drive people to leave in the first place.
“Labour migration programs, such as those with Australia and New Zealand, can provide valuable opportunities for Fijians, but we must ensure that our workers are protected.
“This means advocating for decent work conditions abroad, including fair wages, safe working environments, and opportunities for career advancement. We must also ensure that their rights are respected, and that there is no discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or any other factor.”
Mr Prasad said it was important to create opportunities at home so that migration was a choice, not a necessity.
He said this involved the creation of a vibrant economy where people found good jobs, earned a decent living, and felt secure.
Mr Prasad said this also meant addressing social issues, such as access to education and healthcare, so that people felt they could build a future in Fiji.
“For instance, take the issue of remittances, which play a significant role in Fiji’s economy. While remittances are a vital source of income for many families, they should also be leveraged for development.
“The government could create incentives for remittance money to be invested in small businesses, infrastructure projects, or education. This would help channel these funds into productive uses that contribute to long-term growth, rather than just consumption.
“Finally, when remittances do come into the country, we should use them strategically. Instead of being solely for consumption, remittance funds could be channelled into investment opportunities that contribute to the broader development of the country.
“For example, we could develop programs that encourage remittances to be used for starting businesses, investing in education, or supporting community projects. This would help turn remittances into a driver of development, rather than just a source of short-term relief.”
And Mr Prasad believes Fiji is taking a step in the right direction, especially after being on challenging terms with the ILO for years.
He said since 2022, there was a noticeable shift.
“The new coalition government took the initiative to review the Employment Relations Bill, removing provisions that were restrictive to trade union activities.
“This has been a crucial step in restoring the rights of workers and ensuring that Fiji’s labour laws are in line with international standards.
“These changes reflect a broader commitment by the current government to uphold civil liberties and create an environment where freedom of expression is respected.
“The media, trade unions, and civil society now operate freely, which is a significant positive development for the country.”
Mr Prasad said while these changes were promising, they represented only the beginning of what needed to be a more comprehensive approach to governance and development.
“What Fiji requires now is not just a series of reactive measures but a proactive, long-term vision that addresses the root causes of our challenges.
“For example, simply repealing restrictive legislation is not sufficient on its own. It must be part of a broader strategy that ensures the sustainability of these changes.
“The country needs a coherent vision that encompasses economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development. This vision should not just address the immediate symptoms but should aim to build a resilient and diversified economy that benefits all Fijians.
“In my view, Fiji has suffered from what I call a ‘Band-Aid approach’ to policymaking. This approach involves applying short-term fixes to specific problems without addressing the underlying issues.”
He said while these measures might have provided immediate relief, they did not contribute to long-term stability or growth.
He said a strategic vision for Fiji should be built on three pillars: economic resilience, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
Mr Prasad said Fiji’s economy must be diversified to reduce reliance on a few sectors, such as tourism and agriculture, and new industries should be developed, innovation fostered, and entrepreneurship encouraged.
This, he said, would involve creating a stable macroeconomic environment where businesses could thrive, investments were encouraged, and jobs were created.
“The government should also ensure that monetary and fiscal policies are aligned to support growth and job creation while maintaining stability.
“This includes keeping debt levels under control and ensuring that inflation is managed effectively, not just through short-term measures but through structural reforms that enhance productivity and competitiveness.
“Secondly, social cohesion and social inclusiveness must be at the heart of this vision. We need to create a society where all Fijians feel included and valued, where there is a strong sense of community and shared purpose.”
Mr Prasad said this meant ensuring that everyone had access to quality education, healthcare, and social services, opportunities regardless of their background or where they lived.
He said social policies should not be treated as secondary to economic policies, rather, they should be integrated into a comprehensive framework where economic growth went hand in hand with social development.
Mr Prasad also said that environmental sustainability was vital for Fiji as a small island developing state.
“We are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Our vision must include policies that promote sustainable development, protect our natural resources, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
“This means investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring that our infrastructure is resilient to climate-related risks. Environmental considerations should be mainstreamed into all aspects of national planning, from economic development to social policy.”
He said the country must aim to change the lives of the people by creating opportunities, reducing poverty, and ensuring that everyone had the chance to succeed.
However, Mr Prasad said the vision hinged on having a clear and committed leadership at the highest level of government and said the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister should lead this effort, supported by a dedicated team that ensured all ministries and agencies worked towards the same goals.
“We can draw lessons from countries like Singapore or Mauritius, which have successfully implemented long-term visions through coordinated, strategic efforts.
“In Fiji, we must do the same. The current National Development Plan which was proposed by the Ministry of Finance is a good starting point, but it must be more than just a document. It needs to be a living strategy that guides all aspects of government policy and action.
“This means not only having a plan but ensuring that it is backed by the necessary resources, staffing, and coordination mechanisms.
“It also means engaging with all stakeholders—businesses, workers, communities, and international partners—to ensure that the plan reflects their needs and aspirations.”
Mr Prasad said he had spent over 30 years working in international organisations like the United Nations, UNESCO, ILO, however, his heart had always been in Fiji.
“The country has given me so much, and I feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back.
“I am passionate about contributing to Fiji’s development, whether it be through education, policy development, training, or economics and financial sector.
“If the opportunity arises, I would be honoured to return and help in any way I can. I believe that with the right leadership and a clear vision, Fiji has the potential to achieve great things.
“My hope is that I can be part of that journey, helping to build a Fiji where everyone has a place.”
