'Youths leaving, confidence collapsing'

A deepening loss of faith in Fiji’s leadership has pushed thousands of young people to leave the country in search for better opportunities, Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry claims.

Speaking at the party’s Annual Delegates Conference in Nadi on Saturday, Mr Chaudhry said an FLP government would invest heavily in the wellbeing of young people — a demographic that makes up 44 per cent of Fiji’s population.

“They have failed to inspire confidence in Fiji’s future, reflected in the thousands of our young people who are leaving in search of jobs overseas and a better future for themselves,” he said.

He said successive governments had neglected young people by failing to build an education system that prepares them for the workplace and a global citizenship.

Mr Chaudhry described Fiji’s youth statistics as “grim,” noting that 24 per cent of those aged 15–24 are classified as NEET — not in education, employment or training.

“This means about one in every four young people aged between 15 and 24 is idle, doing nothing. This is alarming and tragic. They are not in school or receiving any form of training. They are not economically active.”

He said the situation was worsened by a reportedly high unemployment rate of 20 per cent and rising issues relating to drug and alcohol abuse, mental health, the spread of HIV, youth-related crime, poverty and homelessness.

“Is it any wonder that so many of our young people, frustrated and disillusioned, are leaving the country in large numbers hoping for employment and a better life offshore?” he asked.

Holistic plan

Mr Chaudhry said addressing the crisis required a holistic approach that tackled poverty, housing, health care, education, vocational training and job creation.

“For instance, economic revival is necessary to create jobs and bring down the high rate of unemployment among our youth. Likewise, agricultural development will upgrade the rural sector, create more jobs and keep our youth away from the cities.”

He said the Labour Party had long advocated for a National Service Scheme to provide community service opportunities, skills training and income for unemployed youth.

“Such a scheme will cater for the 24 per cent of young people today classified as NEET — by taking them off the streets,” he said.

Labour banks on 2026 momentum

Mr Chaudhry claimed voter dissatisfaction with current leadership was driving support toward the Fiji Labour Party.

“Disappointed and disillusioned people are now looking to Labour as their only hope for Fiji’s future. We are seeing a groundswell of support and momentum building toward 2026.

“Fiji needs a transparent government — one that does what it promises and serves in the best interests of the people,” he said.