Worker shortage, permit delays slow $30m western projects
Company says it needs 50 more construction workers to meet demand.
Sunday 19 July 2026 | 13:00
WHL Group property under construction at Nadi back road.
Photo: Waisea Nasokia
A shortage of construction workers and delays in processing foreign work permits are slowing multimillion-dollar developments in western Fiji, Western Homes Limited (WHL) says.
WHL Group managing director Bobby Khan said the company had invested heavily in the region but was struggling to recruit enough workers to meet demand.
"The biggest problem we have is getting people to work for us in the construction sector," Mr Khan said.
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"We have been advertising on Facebook and in newspapers, but unfortunately we're not getting much response. The ones who do come, we take them on, but it's still not enough. We need at least another 50 employees in construction."
Mr Khan said the company had recruited workers from Bangladesh, but many were still waiting for their work permits to be approved.
"The Immigration Department is very slow in issuing permits at the moment. Because of these delays, our investments are being affected and we're having a hard time getting people in," he said.
"I urge the Government to please expedite the visas for the foreign employees we are bringing in. They are all stuck with Immigration Fiji. Once they arrive, our projects will move ahead."
Mr Khan said WHL was currently undertaking about $30 million worth of developments in western Fiji, with a further $50 million in investment planned over the coming years.
"We need employees. I urge the Government to help us by expediting the work permits for the workers we need from overseas."
He said the company was also losing experienced staff to overseas migration.
"We have around 60 staff, but they're leaving for New Zealand and Australia."
Mr Khan said competition from other construction projects, particularly in Denarau, had made it increasingly difficult to retain skilled workers.
"Some contractors working on temporary projects are offering higher wages. If we're paying $8 an hour, they'll offer $10 an hour. We've had employees who were with us for five, six or seven years leave because they've been offered more money.
"I don't have an issue with people earning more, but it makes it harder for us to keep experienced workers. Foreign workers are willing to work at rates that are sustainable for both them and the company."
