Fiji Employment Rate – Overview (as of 2024 Estimates)
Fiji’s employment rate reflects the country’s mix of formal jobs, informal work, and seasonal labor—especially in tourism, agriculture, and public service. The economy is still recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, which had heavily affected tourism-dependent jobs.
1. Employment Rate & Unemployment Stats
| Indicator | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Employment Rate | 91% (as of 2024) |
| Unemployment Rate | 8%–9% |
| Youth Unemployment | Around 20% |
| Labour Force Participation | 62% of working-age population |
Note: Youth and women face higher unemployment compared to the general population.
2. Major Employment Sectors
| Sector | Percentage of Workforce | Examples of Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism & Hospitality | ~25–30% | Hotel staff, tour guides, transport |
| Agriculture & Fishing | ~25% | Sugarcane farmers, fisherfolk, laborers |
| Public Sector | ~15% | Teachers, police, civil servants |
| Retail & Services | ~10% | Shopkeepers, beauty salons |
| Construction | ~5–8% | Carpenters, builders, electricians |
| Manufacturing | ~5% | Garments, bottled water, wood products |
3. Types of Employment
- Formal Employment – With contracts, minimum wage, and benefits.
- Informal Employment – Market vendors, small farmers, family-run stores.
- Seasonal Labour Abroad – Thousands of Fijians work temporarily in Australia and New Zealand under regional labor mobility schemes.
4. Government Initiatives to Boost Employment
- National Employment Policy
- Fiji Higher Education Commission Skills Training
- Fiji Volunteer Service
- Support for SMEs (small & medium enterprises)
- Tourism Recovery Plans
5. Minimum Wage (2023–2024)
- FJD $4.00 per hour (national minimum wage)
- Higher wages apply in professional and skilled sectors
