A youth advocate believes the continued hiring of foreign workers, could make it harder for local young people to secure jobs here.
While foreign labour plays a role in filling workforce gaps, National Youth Council president Laisani Sepo said many young people felt they were being left behind.
“If the trend of hiring foreign workers continues, it will become increasingly difficult for Fijian youths to secure jobs in their own country,” she said.
She said many qualified youths were struggling to find work after finishing their education and training.
“We are seeing young people who are qualified and ready to work, but they are still struggling to get opportunities.”
Ms Sepo said the issue was not about disliking foreign workers, but ensuring more about fair access to employment for Fijian youths.
“It is not about stopping foreign labour, but about making sure our young people are given a fair chance and are prioritised where possible.”
The youth leader made the comments as she raised concern
about more skilled and qualified young people remaining unemployed.
She said more investment in training and skills development was needed to prepare youths for work.
“If we are serious about youth employment, then we must invest more in skills development so our young people can compete.”
She also called for better planning between Government and employers to address labour shortages while protecting local employment opportunities.
“Employers need to look at long-term solutions and not just short-term fixes.”
She said youth unemployment could worsen if the issue was not addressed, warning that there is a risk of creating a generation of young people who feel excluded from the economy.
