Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, 18 July 2024 – The process for obtaining work and investor permits here in Fiji is intricate and often fraught with delays.
Delays are exacerbated now by the spike in demand for new passports and industries like tourism, construction, finance, IT and even public sector demand for skilled technical staff that have increased exponentially in response to the outward movement of people into neighbouring labour markets.
Applicants must navigate a series of detailed steps, beginning with submitting an application that includes comprehensive documentation such as proof of employment or investment, financial statements, and personal identification records.
It is no doubt the same in many other countries around the world as the circular movement of people takes on a global scale. How we as countries deal with our labour market accessibility, however, will determine how we each fare economically to progress our specific interests and national development strategies.
For Fiji, once these application documents are submitted, the review process commences by the Fiji Immigration Department (FID), a procedure that involves multiple stages of verification and approval.
However, significant paperwork congestion – from the compounding reasons already stated like the increased demand that now also includes outdated systems, high staff turnover, processing requirements and approval points designed to counter historical undermining of these very processes, all now contribute to extended processing times that can stretch from the official 21 working days to several months.
The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) introduced its Member Immigration Service earlier this year which was aimed to tackle the delays caused by the congestion of paperwork at FID.
This member service focuses on expediting the processing of permits by reassessing and streamlining the documentation required, thereby hoping to reduce the vetting time for these applications because we have, like many other experienced immigration support agencies, a better understanding of both our industry background and needs, as well as a deeper understanding of what the FID requires.
We provide a user-friendly experience for those seeking work and investor permits, ensuring that the tourism industry can continue to attract and retain the talent necessary for its continued growth.
Our industry insight and understanding of the need to create a more efficient and effective immigration system that not only enhances national security but also supports economic growth and development has helped us provide the necessary support for work permits for tourism members.
Unfortunately, the lengthy delays have caused constraints that have reached a breaking point.
The ultimate goal is to build a system that is capable of meeting the needs of the modern world, making Fiji a more attractive destination for tourists, investors, and skilled workers.
Our commonly referred destination competition Bali (Indonesia) has recently introduced new visa rules designed to facilitate travel and attract both visitors and workers.
These changes reflect a strategic move to bolster Bali’s tourism and hospitality sectors, which are significant contributors to their local economy.
By simplifying visa requirements and creating more accessible pathways for travellers and expatriates, Bali aims to position itself as a top destination for both leisure and work.
Their neighbours Thailand are also implementing progressive immigration policies to enhance their attractiveness as a destination for tourists, business travelers, and expatriates.
One of the admirable initiatives is the introduction of the “Destination Thailand Visa.”
This new visa is tailored for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travellers, offering a five-year stay with multiple re-entry privileges.
The visa allows stays of up to 180 days per visit and extends to include the spouse and dependent children of the visa holder.
This initiative is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to liberalize its immigration policies, making it easier for foreign nationals to live, work, and contribute to the local economy.
Fiji’s current immigration process, particularly the processing times for work permits, poses significant challenges to the country’s competitiveness, with inexplicable delays and rejections causing consternation and dismay.
Foreigners already in the country have been forced to stop working, and cannot access a Tax Identification Number (TIN), which in turn allows them to open a bank account to access their salaries.
Or are threatened with bank accounts being closed because the final work permit has not been provided many months after their approved entry.
Final approval permits allow foreign workers to purchase vehicles to take their children to school, apply for entry permits to travel overseas for work-related reasons and have a reasonable expectation to be respected as contributing workers.
These positions have been widely advertised before recruitment so do not take up jobs that locals might otherwise qualify for or want.
Officially, the processing time for work permits is set at 21 working days. However, in practice, this period often extends to anywhere between three to six months.
Some delays primarily due to high application volumes are caused by the severe understaffing within the immigration department.
An area that has been addressed with keen focus and relevant budgeting.
But as we experience ourselves so often, we must still go through the training and upskilling phase of onboarding recruits – and as we do so, expect lower productivity as par for the course.
We have raised our frequent concern that these delays can deter potential investors and skilled workers from choosing Fiji as their destination, thereby impacting the growth of the tourism and hospitality sectors, the delivery of infrastructure and development projects, and the positive outcomes of investment growth on creating economic value.
In response to these challenges, the Fijian government’s recent budget announcements aimed at improving service delivery within the immigration department have been widely welcomed.
An additional 20 positions have been allocated to enhance the department’s capacity to process applications more efficiently, while there are plans to review the document management system amongst other measures.
These initiatives we understand, are part of a broader effort to address critical blockages in the immigration system and improve labour market conditions.
Moreover, Government is implementing new strategies to tackle labour shortages generally through the improvement and access of TVET programs.
These strategies include investing in quick skill training programs to equip local workers with the necessary skills to meet industry demands.
By addressing these critical issues, Fiji aims to maintain its competitive edge in the tourism sector while ensuring that the immigration system does its bit to support the country’s economic growth and development.
These efforts are crucial in the face of regional competition from destinations like Bali and Thailand, which are actively reforming their immigration policies to attract tourists, digital nomads, and skilled workers.
And doing so at a faster pace to clearly capitalise on market trends.
For Fiji to remain competitive, it must continue to refine and improve business support services like immigration processes, and regulatory or licensing approvals if it is to be serious about addressing the ease of doing business.
In all our interactions and even our various annual budget submissions, FHTA has been a steadfast advocate for more efficient business support systems that will in turn support improving productivity outcomes and the rate of economic progress.
Recent developments have shown some progress and focused attention in this direction.
This efficiency is crucial not just for tourism, but for every other industry desperately trying to improve its economic footprints It starts with simplified accessibility to specialized talent that can make a significant difference in maintaining service quality, and competitiveness and push your business to the top.
We’re doing our best to collaborate widely on focusing on critical areas that are stopping us from achieving our highest potential.
By working together, we can ensure that Fiji not only keeps pace with global competitors but understands this requires all of Government buy-in for this to achieve the results we all inevitably clearly need.
Fantasha Lockington – CEO, FHTA (Published in the Fiji Times on 18 July 2024)
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association
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