Non-citizens have several work permit options and the type of permit depends on the type of work they want to do.

• Work Permit: This standard permit covers any long-term work that does not fall into the four specified categories. As an employer, you must provide a reason for refusing to hire a resident for this application.
• Short-Term Work Permit: This document applies to any work of one year or less.
• Educational work: This permit is required for educational work and must include approval from the Ministry of Education, Heritage and the Arts (MEHA).
• In a religious context: For any work in a religious context, individuals must apply for this permit. Employees do not need any credentials, but they do need legal registration from the church they plan to work for.
• Volunteering: If a person plans to volunteer abroad, they need this type of permit. Field confirmation is not required.

Fiji also offers permit exemptions for government or diplomatic work and investment to business projects. It is also important to note that a work permit does not apply to a residence permit. Before workers apply for any work visa, they need the proper documents to reside in the country.

Who is eligible to work in Fiji?

• Priests and ministers of religion or recognized religious organizations;
• Instructors, lecturers, and professors with a written agreement to work with local universities on the advice of the Permanent Secretary for Education;
• Nurses and doctors, the need for which is decided by the Permanent Secretary of Health;
• Persons who have written employment contracts with local employers and for whose services there is a reasonable demand that cannot be met in Fiji. All of these jobs are initially advertised in Fiji and work permits are only considered in the absence of local experience.

No temporary, short-term, or long-term (up to three years) work permit will be issued to a person who already has a permit to visit Fiji. Anyone who is already in Fiji on a visitor's permit and plans to apply for any form of work permit must leave the country before the application is accepted;

Anyone intending to apply for a temporary, short-term or long-term work permit must apply from outside of Fiji;

Requirements for obtaining work visas to Fiji

When your employees apply for a work visa with the Fiji Immigration Department, they will need several important documents, including:

• Valid passport.
• A signed and completed form.
• Confirmation letter from the Department of Immigration.
• Verified address in the country.
• Permit application requirements vary by type, but all require a resume (CV) with relevant work experience and education.

Application process

The process of obtaining a work visa requires a number of documents and permits for legal employment. The procedure begins with the fact that the employee and you fill out the application. This step must be completed prior to the employee's arrival, which means that the employee must obtain a job with the employer's company prior to entering the country.

The employer must submit an application for employment of a non-citizen employee to the Department of Immigration.

Additional documents for applying for a Work Visa:

• Detailed training program for the position.
• Medical opinion.
• Confirmation of English language proficiency.

Remember that workers must apply for a residence permit before obtaining a work visa to legally reside in the country.