There were more than 3800 overseas workers in Fiji between January 2023 to January 2024, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua has informed Parliament.
While responding to a written question, Mr Tikoduadua said out of the 3800, 1522 were Bangladesh nationals.
Other overseas nationals in high numbers included China (512), India (342), Philippines (211), Australia (170), Sri Lanka (157), United States (136), Indonesia (115) and New Zealand (113).
Mr Tikoduadua said these individuals had contributed to key industries and sectors of the economy, especially to enrich the workforce with diverse skills and experiences.
“The ministry remains committed to maintaining a balance of ensuring that employment of overseas workers meets the needs and priorities of key sectors for economic growth and upholding standards of fairness and compliance with immigration laws and regulations,” he said.
“Countries such as Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines, have significantly higher numbers, indicates increasing trends of migration for employment purpose.
“Others have fewer permits issued, possibly reflecting smaller-scale or less frequent migration patterns.”
Countries with lesser overseas workers included South Africa (43), United Kingdom (42), Canada (31), Korea (30), Tonga (29), Suriname (28), Japan (24) and Pakistan (14).
“According to the permit records, sectors demanding trade and skills include construction and building trades, hospitality and food services, engineering and technical trades, healthcare, management and administration, transportation and logistics, education and training, religious services, manufacturing and production, and agriculture/farming.
“Notably, the construction, hospitality, engineering, and management sectors top the list of demand for skilled workers.”
