Let’s give skilled labour market a serious thought
The real secret of happiness is not what you have or what you receive; it’s what you share. Fijians are known for sharing the little they have; for partaking in meals although the size of the pot is not proportional to the number of people you are calling out to, to come and share the meal.
This norm is at school, work, everywhere – come mealtime you will invite whoever comes your way to partake in your meal.
This is a great asset to the business of hospitality and tourism, the backbone of our economy.
The sector is inclusive that, with or without skill, you can still draw from it and contribute to its growth. Form the carver, weaver to the entertainer to the manager we can all be and part of the pie.
The 2019 visitor survey showed a key reason for tourists choosing Fiji was that “the local people are friendly” – a close second to being a “family-friendly” destination.
The tourists reported that their interactions with the locals and culture were the most enjoyable aspect of their Fijian holidays.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused inevitable global economic downturn, with impacts felt across the entire global value chain.
The pandemic has had profound rippling effects on the travel and tourism industry – with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises at the forefront.
As one of the most labour-intensive sectors, Fiji tourism was not spared; many jobs were at risk, with the repercussions felt at all levels.
Post COVID, Fijians are now in high demand in the Australian hospitality and tourism labour market.
Early this week, Ausphin, an accredited Australian operator that trains and recruits skilled migrant workers for the Australian market, launched a Suva recruitment drive.
Led by Turkish-born business leader, Tolga Yilmaz, the company established an office in Nadi in recent months, as a facilitation centre for job seekers joining the Australian labour market.
The company has recruited 50 employees from Fiji to join the Australian labour market in the last three months.
By next year, that figure is expected to increase to 1000, this is for tourism alone then there are others like fruit picking, caregiving, meat industry to mention a few.
While the positive forecast of more remittances, has one in the high office considered doing a paper on the repercussions on the home front of the migration of skilled migrants.
Effects like brain drain, short of manpower and disruption or corrosion in our social arrangements, structures and issues are serious topics.
‘Fiji the way the world should be’ is a bold statement. We should safeguard Fiji, her people and future.
Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj