Fiji’s demand for foreign workers has fallen sharply amid a broader slowdown in hiring across key sectors, according to the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s October 2025 Economic Review.
The central bank reported that approved work permits declined by 86 percent in the year to September, highlighting weaker demand for overseas labour.
Temporary migration under seasonal employment schemes also dipped by 5.9 percent, while resident departures fell 18.6 percent, suggesting easing outward migration pressures.
Overall labour market conditions have continued to soften, with job advertisements down 10 percent over the same period, reflecting subdued hiring intentions.
The RBF noted that 60 percent of businesses surveyed in August expect no change in full-time hiring over the next 6 to 12 months.
Despite the cooling labour demand, formal employment registrations rose 2.3 percent, and average wages increased 10.7 percent in the year to August, signalling steady income growth among those in work.
“Although migration pressures have eased, some sectors still expect worker losses in the medium term,” the central bank said, adding that employers remain cautious about recruitment amid uncertain global and domestic conditions.
