Fiji moves to finalise new diaspora policy to strengthen ties with overseas i-Taukei and citizens

AOTEAROA – The Fijian government is in the final stages of establishing a comprehensive 'Diaspora Policy' to better support and engage with its citizens living across the globe. Sakiasi Ditoka, Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, visited Auckland on Saturday, 18 July 2026, to meet with investors and members of the Fijian business community in New Zealand. Speaking to RNZ Pacific, Ditoka confirmed that the policy is currently being reviewed by a development sub-committee and will soon be presented to Cabinet for final approval. The initiative aims to streamline systems and remove barriers for the Fijian diaspora—including those in Australia, the United States, and Europe—who wish to contribute to or return to their home nation. Ditoka noted that the interest from overseas Fijians is vital to the country's economic development and that the government is committed to ensuring their interests are safeguarded through mutual benefit. The Fijian diaspora has become a cornerstone of the island nation's economy, serving as the second-largest foreign exchange earner. Figures from the Reserve Bank of Fiji show that personal remittances officially surpassed the FJ$1 billion threshold between January and September 2025. These contributions are driven by various sectors, including military personnel in the United Kingdom, rugby players across Europe, and workers participating in regional labour programmes such as New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. According to Ditoka, many Fijians living abroad are choosing to reinvest in Fiji or return during retirement. He acknowledged that while some investors have faced "choke points" in bureaucratic systems, the ministry and its permanent secretary are working to make these processes more efficient. Fiji's Bureau of Statistics recently reported that over 1,100 residents departed for employment purposes in June 2026, further highlighting the growing scale and significance of this global community connect.