Fiji Needs Reforms to Retain Graduates, Says Opposition MP

Fiji needs reforms to encourage graduates to build careers domestically rather than seeking opportunities abroad, according to Opposition Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma. Speaking during the 2026/2027 National Budget debate, Sharma pointed to persistent weaknesses in the education system that impact students from their academic journey through to employment.

Sharma specifically raised concerns about delays in teacher salary payments, late disbursement of back-to-school assistance, and issues surrounding the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme. He argued these problems underscore a broader need for enhanced support across the entire education sector. The MP also expressed alarm over the escalating loss of skilled workers, estimating that around 100,000 skilled and semi-skilled Fijians have emigrated in the last three to five years.

"We are producing graduates ready to work for overseas markets," Sharma stated in Parliament. "When you measure over 100,000 people leaving the country, that’s a billion-dollar loss to our economy." He emphasized that Fiji must cultivate an environment where graduates can find purpose, opportunity, and prosperity at home.

To address this "brain drain," Sharma advocated for stronger government policies aimed at supporting businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises. He believes such measures would stimulate job creation, bolster the national workforce, and crucially, help retain valuable skilled talent within Fiji.

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We are producing graduates ready to work for overseas markets. And looking at the current stats for the past three, four years or five years, Honorable Speaker, around 100,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers have left the country. When you measure over 100,000 people leaving the country, that’s a billion-dollar loss to our economy.