Fiji job ads drop despite higher employment: RBF

Fiji's formal employment sector continued its expansion in April, with registrations at the Fiji National Provident Fund rising by 2.2 percent. The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) reported this growth, noting that despite the increase in jobs, indicators suggest heightened competition among employers to retain experienced staff.

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formal employment continued to expand, with Fiji National Provident Fund registrations increasing by 2.2 percent in April.

This competition is occurring even as demand for new hires has softened. The RBF highlighted that cumulative job advertisements fell by 22.4 percent when compared to the same period in 2025. Concurrently, wages paid within the formal sector saw a notable increase of 9.1 percent.

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indicators of increased competition to retain experienced staff amid softer demand for new hires persisted into May.

On the labor supply side, Fiji is experiencing a significant outflow of its workforce. Resident departures increased by 8.1 percent in the year leading up to May. Furthermore, participation in outward labor mobility schemes surged by 18 percent, involving 1,395 citizens.

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cumulative job advertisements were down 22.4 percent compared with 2025, while wages paid in the formal sector increased by 9.1 percent.

Remittances, a crucial source of income for many Fijian households, also remained robust. Cumulative remittances to April reached $358.1 million on a net basis, marking a substantial increase of 30.5 percent.

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residents’ departures rose 8.1 percent in the year to May, while participation in outward labour mobility schemes increased by 18 percent to 1,395 citizens.