Understanding Employment Norms in Fiji: A Comprehensive Guide
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Hiring in Fiji? Read on to find out the employment norms (like taxes, payroll and benefits) and EOR (Employer on Record) norms in Fiji.

Employment Norms in Fiji

Fiji is an island nation in the South Pacific with a diverse workforce governed by laws and regulations set by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations. The legal framework includes provisions on working hours, minimum wage, health and safety, and dispute resolution. EOR services ensure better employee management and help in ensuring that your business complies with the local rules.

General Information:

  • The currency used in Fiji is the Fijian Dollar (FJD). It is abbreviated as 'F$'.
  • The capital of Fiji is Suva, which is located on the southeast coast of the main island of Viti Levu.
  • The official languages of Fiji are English, Fiji Hindi, and Fijian. Documentation can be in English.
  • As of 2021, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Fiji was estimated to be approximately 4.30 billion US dollars.
In Fiji, the labor laws and regulations are governed by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.
Fiji map

Table of Contents

  • Agreements
  • Onboarding Process
  • Visa
  • Minimum Wage
  • Payroll Cycle
  • Annual Bonus
  • Health Benefits
  • Working Hours and Overtime
  • Leaves
  • Social Security
  • Taxes for Employers
  • Taxes for Employees
  • Probation
  • Termination
  • Severance Pay
  • Employees or Contractors
  • Final Words
Agreements

Agreements

  • Labor and employment agreements in Fiji are governed by the Employment Relations Promulgation (ERP) 2007.
  • ERP outlines the rights and obligations of employers and employees and provides guidance on working hours, minimum wage, health and safety, and dispute resolution.
  • Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) are negotiated between employers and trade unions and set terms and conditions of employment for workers in specific industries or sectors
  • Other agreements and protocols, such as international labor standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), provide additional guidance and protection for workers
  • These agreements play a critical role in promoting and protecting workers' rights and supporting the development of Fiji's economy and society.
  • International labor standards set by the ILO guide freedom of association, collective bargaining, elimination of child labor and forced labor, and other critical issues
  • Compliance with labor and employment agreements in Fiji is monitored by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations.
Onboarding Process

Onboarding Process

  • The onboarding process in Fiji typically includes orientation, training, and completion of necessary paperwork and documentation
  • Some common onboarding activities include:
    • Introduction to the company culture, mission, and values
    • Review of policies, procedures, and job duties
    • Completion of tax forms, time and attendance records, and other administrative tasks
    • Health and safety training and emergency procedures
  • Mandatory documents to be submitted for onboarding are Proof of identity, Proof of qualifications, Proof of work eligibility and Bank account information
Visa

Visa

Fiji has 4 types of work permits/Visa:

Work Permit

  • Issued to foreign workers who have a job offer from a Fiji-based employer. The employer must sponsor the worker's application and provide proof of their ability to pay the worker's salary.

Business Visa

  • Issued to foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and business executives who plan to establish a business or conduct business in Fiji.

Skilled Worker Visa

  • Issued to foreign workers with a high level of expertise or specialized skills who have a job offer from a Fiji-based employer.

Student Visa

  • Issued to foreign students who are enrolled in a full-time course of study at a recognized Fiji educational institution.

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Minimum Wage

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in Fiji ranges between $3.67 per hour to $4 per hour.
Payroll Cycle

Payroll Cycle

The payroll cycle in Fiji typically follows a monthly schedule, with employees being paid at the end of each month for the work they have performed in that month.
Annual Bonus

Annual Bonus

Though not an obligation, as a general practice bonus is paid as the 13th month's salary by the employer. Bonuses may be awarded based on an employee's performance, the company's financial performance, or as part of a company-wide incentive program.
Health Benefits

Health Benefits

Health benefits that are common among many employers as a way to attract and retain top talent:
  • Medical insurance: Many employers provide medical insurance coverage either as part of their compensation package or as a separate benefit. This insurance may cover a range of medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescription drugs.
  • Paid sick leave: Some employers offer paid sick leave, which allows employees to take time off work if they are ill or injured without losing pay.
  • Employee wellness programs: Some employers offer wellness programs to encourage employees to maintain healthy habits and prevent illnesses. These programs may include activities such as health fairs, gym memberships, or on-site health clinics.
Working Hours and Overtime

Working Hours and Overtime

  • Work hours: The standard working hours in Fiji are usually Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Break: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 30 minutes of break time for every 4 hours of continuous work
  • Overtime: If an employee works overtime, they must be paid an additional rate of time and a half for each hour worked
Leaves

Leaves

In Fiji, the leave provisions are governed by the Employment Relations Promulgation 2007.

Sick Leaves

  • An employee who is servicing for more than 3 months is entitled to not less than 10 working days of paid sick leave for each year of service.

Parental leaves

  • Female employees are eligible for parental leave, which can be taken for a maximum of 14 weeks within the first year of the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Paternity leave of 5 days is given to the male employees
  • The employee must give at least 8 weeks' notice before taking the leave.

Annual leaves

  • All employees are entitled to a minimum of 10 consecutive days of annual leave for each year.

Public Holidays (for the Calendar year 2023)

  • New Year's Day - 1st January
  • New Year Holiday - 2nd January
  • Good Friday - 7th April
  • Easter Saturday - 8th April
  • Easter Monday - 10th April
  • Constitution Day - 7th September
  • Prophet Muhammad's Birthday Holiday - 2nd October
  • Fiji Day - 10th October
  • Diwali - 12th November
  • Diwali Holiday - 12th November
  • Christmas Day - 25th December
  • Boxing Day - 26th December

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Social Security

Social Security

In Fiji, the social security provisions are provided through the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
Taxes for Employers

Taxes for Employers

  • Fiji National Provident Fund: Employers are required to contribute 12% of their employee's gross salary to the FNPF.
  • Value Added Tax: Employers must pay VAT on their goods and services. The current VAT rate in Fiji is 15%.
  • Pay-As-You-Earn Tax: Employers are responsible for withholding tax from their employee's salaries and paying it to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA). The PAYE tax rate ranges from 0% to 20% depending on the employee's salary.
  • Withholding Tax: Employers must withhold a 10% tax on payments made to non-resident contractors.
  • Fringe Benefits Tax: Employers are required to pay fringe benefits tax on benefits provided to their employees such as company cars, housing, and entertainment expenses. Employers in Fiji are subject to Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) at the rate of 20%.

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Taxes for Employees

Taxes for Employees

  • Income Tax: In Fiji, the PAYE system is based on a progressive tax system, check the tax bracket for different income below:
    • Employees earning FJD 0 - 30,000 does not have to pay any income tax
    • Those who are earning between FJD 30,000 - 50,000 have to pay 18% tax over FGD 30,000
    • Tax to be paid for FJD 50,000 - 270,000 is FGD 3,600 including 20% over FGD 50,000
    • Employees earning between FJD 270,000 - 300,000 have to pay FJD 47,600 including 20% over FJD 270,000
    • For an income between FJD 300,000 - 350,000, the employee has to pay FJD 53,600 plus 20% over FJD 300,000
    • On FJD 350,000 - 400,000, the employee has to pay FJD 63,600 plus 20% over FJD 350,000
    • For FJD 400,000 - 450,000, employees have to pay FJD 73,600 plus 20% over FJD 400,000
    • Employees earning between FJD 450,000 - 500,000 employees have to pay FJD 83,600 plus 20% over FJD 450,00
    • On an income of FJD 500,000 - 1,000,000, employees have to FJD 93,600 plus 20% over FJD 500,000
    • On an income of more than FJD 1,000,000 an employee has to pay FJD 193,600 plus 20% over FJD 1,000,000
  • National Provident Fund: This is a mandatory social security scheme for all employees in Fiji. Employees contribute 8% of their salary to the NPF, while employers contribute an equal amount.
  • Fiji National Provident Fund Withholding Tax: This is a tax deducted from an employee's salary, calculated at a rate of 1% of the salary. The tax is used to finance the NPF.
Probation

Probation

In Fiji, the probation period depends on the discretion of the employer. But, it must abide by local labor laws.

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Termination

Termination

  • An employer must provide written notice of termination or pay instead of notice, as specified in the Employment Relations Promulgation (2007).
  • In cases of serious misconduct, an employer may terminate an employment contract immediately, but must still provide written notice within 7 days.
  • The rights of employees to challenge termination in Fiji are protected by the Employment Relations Promulgation (2007) and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Decree (2009).
Severance Pay

Severance Pay

Severance pay in Fiji is not a statutory requirement. However, it may be included in an employment contract or as a company policy.
Employees or Contractors

Employees or Contractors

  • In Fiji, employees are defined as individuals who work under an employment contract with an employer and are entitled to various employee benefits such as sick leave, annual leave, and protection under labor laws.
  • On the other hand, contractors are individuals who provide services to an organization under a contract for services but are not considered employees.
Misclassifying an employee as a contractor can lead to penalties for the employer, including fines and back payment of entitlements.
Final Words

Final Words

Fiji offers ample employment opportunities and has established labor laws that protect the rights of workers. From work visas to social security, the country has set in place a comprehensive framework that governs employment practices. Fiji continues to be an attractive destination for professionals and workers alike, providing a supportive environment for professional growth and career advancement.

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