Labour shortages force businesses to look overseas

Businesses in Fiji are struggling to find skilled workers and are being forced to import foreign labour.

This was highlighted by Fiji Australia Business Council (FABC) President Himen Chandra during the council’s Joint Business Forum media launch on Friday.

Mr Chandra said workforce shortages remained one of the most serious problems facing the private sector.

“One of the serious issues at the moment is labour mobility and workforce,” he said.

“We as businesses face a lot of issues in terms of employing the right skills and in terms of getting the right people in the right job.”

He said many businesses had turned to importing foreign workers to fill the gap, but this had proven difficult.

“That has been a hurdle. So we are working with the ministry in terms of ensuring how we can ease in terms of the supply chain,” Mr Chandra said.

He said capacity building and training locals for the global workforce would also be discussed during the forum, with academics expected to join the conversation.

Executive member Glenis Yee, from Munro Leys, said the council was already working with the Australian High Commission on the issue.

“We’re working with the Australian High Commission to address this issue. So we’re looking at digital innovation, future skills, what we can do to prepare our workforce,” Ms Yee said.

She encouraged businesses to attend the forum, to be held at the Grand Pacific Hotel from August 27 to 29, to take part in the discussion.

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