Sudden loss of skilled labour

‘Make the process of application for work permits easier’

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THERE is a need to find solutions to Fiji’s sudden loss of skilled labour, says successful businesswoman Jenny Seeto.

She told delegates at the Fiji Institute of Accountants preliminary budget discussions that the brain drain will continue and upskilling of our people was imperative, just as improving productivity.

“We must make the process of application for work permits easier and also allow skilled labour to enter Fiji to fill the gap,” Ms Seeto said.

“At yesterday’s (Friday) FJNZ Business Council joint conference, Director Immigration had said they had been facilitating work permit requests and turning approvals around quickly.

“We must work in partnership with each other and with Government who provides the framework and incentives for economic growth and PublicPrivate Partnerships to take place.”

Ms Seeto, the chair of the Investment Fiji board of directors, said they were fortunate to have a distinguished panel at the prebudget discussions.

The panel included the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Fiji Revenue and Customs CEO Mark Dixon, Reserve Bank of Fiji governor Arif Ali and Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission CEO Joel Abraham.

“As accountants, we know that in preparing a budget, a multitude of factors needs to be taken into account.

“For this national budget, the calls are even tougher. How do you achieve the objectives? How do you prioritise? How do you combat the effects that COVID-19 brought upon families and businesses? How do you provide budgetary support to the marginalised. How do you create the investment and employment opportunities and generate sustainable economic activity.

“All this to generate revenue to carry out the various programs and budgetary support for Fiji’s recovery.”