Up to one-third of Fiji’s population live outside of the country, says Home Affairs and Immigration Minister Pio Tikoduadua.

He said this in Parliament last Thursday in response to a question from Opposition MP Viliame Naupoto for an update on emigration and immigration trends.

“In fact, the size of our immigrant population compared with Fiji’s population sits between 20 per cent to 30 per cent,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

“This means that if Fiji has a population of a million, between 200,000 to 300,000 are living outside of Fiji.

“Australia remains the highest destination for immigration, which in 2019 alone set over 70,000.

“Between 2000 and 2016, 51 per cent of Fijians leaving for Australia went through the skills stream.

“These figures are expected to increase because of the Pacific Labour Scheme.

“Permanent and long-term migration from Fiji has continuously increased over the years — massive migration including permanent departure of highly qualified and professionally trained people.

“Contemporary immigration dynamics have included increased temporary migration to a growing range of destinations, driven by labour opportunities.

“Fiji also battles skill losses due to migration and waves of immigration in the 1980s to 2000 saw the loss of up to half of its skilled professionals.”