Policy targets Fiji’s demographic challenges

Fiji is proactively preparing for a future marked by a declining population, a growing number of elderly citizens, and the potential for a significant portion of its working-age population to seek opportunities abroad. The government has launched its new National Population Policy 2026/2035, designed to preemptively address these demographic challenges and mitigate their impact on the economy and public services.

Projections indicate a decrease in Fiji's population from 884,887 in 2017 to an estimated 863,737 by 2035. Concurrently, the number of Fijians aged 65 and above is expected to more than double, rising from approximately 49,000 in 2017 to around 100,000 by 2035. This demographic shift carries substantial economic and social consequences, according to Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Jovesa Vocea.

Vocea highlighted the multifaceted nature of these challenges, stating, "We are facing population decline, an ageing population, outward migration, labour shortages, changing family structures, health pressures, urbanization, and increasing climate-related mobility. These are not simply population statistics. They are economic, social, and national resilience issues that will influence Fiji’s development for generations to come."

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We are facing population decline, an ageing population, outward migration, labour shortages, changing family structures, health pressures, urbanization, and increasing climate-related mobility. These are not simply population statistics. They are economic, social, and national resilience issues that will influence Fiji’s development for generations to come.

The National Population Policy 2026-2035 seeks to ensure Fiji is well-prepared for these impending changes while simultaneously fostering better opportunities for its citizens. Vocea stressed the importance of early action, asserting, "The population trends will not change overnight, but the decisions we make today will determine what Fiji looks like in 2035 and beyond. But if we act early, invest in our people, strengthen our rural economies, and build resilient communities, we can turn demographic change into opportunity."

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel confirmed the policy's alignment with national development frameworks, including Vision 2050 and the National Development Plan 2025/2029, as well as international commitments. The overarching aim is to cultivate a healthier, more productive, and resilient population by 2035 through strategic planning rather than reactive measures.

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The population trends will not change overnight, but the decisions we make today will determine what Fiji looks like in 2035 and beyond. But if we act early, invest in our people, strengthen our rural economies, and build resilient communities, we can turn demographic change into opportunity.