Fiji moves forward with revised National Employment Policy

© International Labour Organization

Suva, Fiji (ILO News) – Fiji is making progress on its revised National Employment Policy (NEP), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The new policy will be the country’s second, following the adoption of the first NEP in 2018. A consultation workshop held in Suva on 26–27 March 2025 brought together around 50 representatives from government agencies, social partners, and civil society to provide feedback on the draft NEP. 

During the opening session, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Honourable Agni Deo Singh, stressed: “The revised NEP will align with the recently launched National Development Plan. The consultations will ensure that the policy is inclusive and sound, addressing the needs of all stakeholders involved in the labour market.”

The two-day consultations saw discussion on a wide range of issues in the draft NEP. Topics included working conditions, education and skills development, entrepreneurship and economic diversification, empowerment of vulnerable groups, labour migration, climate resilience, employment diversification, new technologies and labour market information.

Martin Wandera, Director of the ILO’s Office for Pacific Island Countries, highlighted the importance of the forthcoming policy: “This second NEP represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to enhance employment opportunities and promote decent work for all in Fiji in a new and rapidly changing context.” The formulation of this revised National Employment Policy is seen by stakeholders as a pathway to creating quality employment opportunities, improving livelihoods and pivoting towards a more resilient and diversified economy in Fiji.

The initiative is supported by the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, in collaboration with the Government of Fiji.