Fiji is at the crossroads. International labour migration from Fiji has always been of concern primarily because of the drain of human and financial capital from the country. The draining of labour and financial capital from its system might inhibit economic growth and jeopardise the process of development. A small island developing state such as Fiji, with its limited human resource stock, cannot afford to lose human capital, the basic foundation for achieving sustainable development; however, the international migration trends, especially for Indo-Fijians, are likely to change in the future.

In the quest for alternative development strategies in the wake of declines in the sugar and garment sectors, the new trends of Fijian labour migration to distant locations might be seen as a viable development option provided the remittances are invested productively. The temporary new migration might also counter the loss of financial capital incurred through skilled emigration.

Migration, development and international relations are closely linked. With the signing of diplomatic ties and the growth of good bilateral relations with countries such as China, India, Japan and Kuwait in recent times, there exists a potential for improvement in trade and investment in Fiji. Positive international ties and globalising processes might accelerate new labour mobility in Fiji and a consequent growth of remittances and economic growth in the future.