Some dimensions of Fiji's recent emigration

Abstract

This paper investigates some dimensions of Fijian emigration since the political crisis of 1987. While Fiji has historically been a migrant recipient country, during the last four decades the reverse has been the case. Emigration increased significantly following the political crisis of 1987. The preferred destinations have been Australia followed by Canada, the United States and New Zealand. Fijians of Indian descent have been the main emigrant ethnic group, accounting for 84-90 per cent of all emigrants between 1986 and 1997. Emigration has reduced the Fiji Indian population, which was the dominant ethnic group prior to the first coups in 1987. Rates of emigration will no doubt intensify following the May 2000 coup.