Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) CEO Hasmukh Patel makes a point that is worth highlighting. We are facing a major challenge with the exodus of skilled workers from Fiji to neighbouring countries like Australia and New Zealand.
It is an issue that demands national attention. His revelation of losing 280 skilled workers over two years reflects a worrying picture of the talent drain we are facing. This trend isn’t unique to EFL though.
There are other organisations in the country that echo similar concerns. Let’s face it, the lure of “greener pastures” is lucrative. It means better salaries, career prospects, and living conditions.
And this is attracting Fijians with important skills and experience.
The down side to this is we get a significant gap in our workforce. Sure, we will recruit people and get them to fill vacancies. Sure we may have the people who can fill in these positions.
The question though is whether this is sustainable? We are effectively replacing years of experience and expertise with new recruits. It will come at a cost. That means time and resources to train and upskill people.
We then must consider how this impacts efficiency and service delivery. We wonder whether there is a possibility of this trend posing a threat to our development as a nation.
We need skilled people to boost our economy. We need innovation and productivity to drive progress. In saying that, we need to understand the driving forces behind this trend though.
Addressing them is critical. Do we then review and improve salary structures and career advancement opportunities within Fiji? How do we make local jobs more competitive? Perhaps we should be investing in skills development programs that can assist to equip our workforce with the necessary expertise to meet industry demands.
The issue of skilled migration is complex and demands collective action from various stakeholders. That means the Government, private sector, and educational institutions all taking ownership of this concern, and working together to find strategies and solutions.
We emphasise the seriousness of this major challenge and call for collective action. There is some urgency needed. We realise the huge opportunities available abroad.
We accept the fact that there are families staring at a blankwall and hope for some relief by moving abroad. It works out for them, and their loved ones. And this is in terms of education, and growth for their children in most instances.
The question though is how do we want to address this as a nation? Do we have the political will to make a difference?
