Fiji, formally the Republic of Fiji, is a South Pacific Ocean island republic located in Melanesia. It is located around 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 kilometers; 1,300 miles) northeast of New Zealand. Fiji is an archipelago comprising about 330 islands, 110 of which are regularly inhabited, and over 500 islets, with a total land area of around 18,300 square kilometers (7,100 sq mi). Ono-i-Lau is the most remote island group. The two biggest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are home to about 87 percent of the total population of 883,483. Approximately three-quarters of Fijians reside on Viti Levu's coastlines, either in Suva, the capital city, or in smaller urban areas such as Nadi, where tourism is the main local economy, or in Lautoka, where the sugar-cane industry is prominent. Because of the terrain, the interior of Viti Levu is sparsely populated.
The volcanic activity built the bulk of Fiji's islands roughly 150 million years ago. Some geothermal activity may still be seen on the islands of Vanua Levu and Taveuni today. The geothermal systems of Viti Levu are non-volcanic in origin, with low-temperature surface discharges (between 35 and 60 degrees Celsius (95 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit).
Since the second millennium BC, humans have lived in Fiji, initially as Austronesians, then as Melanesians, with some Polynesian influences. Fiji was first visited by Europeans in the 17th century. After a short spell as an independent nation, the British founded the Colony of Fiji in 1874. Fiji was a Crown colony until 1970 when it achieved independence and became the Dominion of Fiji. Following a series of coups, the military administration that had acquired control proclaimed it a republic in 1987. Commodore Frank Bainimarama took control in a coup in 2006. The Fijian High Court found in 2009 that the military leadership was unconstitutional. At that moment, President Ratu Josefa Iloilo, who had been designated as the nominal head of state by the military, legally repealed the 1997 Constitution and re-installed Bainimarama as temporary prime minister. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau replaced Iloilo as president later that year. After years of delay, a democratic election was held on September 17, 2014. International observers considered the election genuine after Bainimarama's FijiFirst party received 59.2 percent of the vote.
Because of its enormous timber, mineral, and seafood resources, Fiji has one of the most developed economies in the Pacific. The Fijian dollar is the official currency, and the primary sources of foreign cash include tourism, remittances from Fijians working abroad, bottled water exports, and sugar cane. Fiji's local government, which takes the form of city and town councils, is overseen by the Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development.
Employment can be terminated for a variety of reasons. A contract may come to an end pursuant to a written or agreed-upon termination clause, or both parties may elect to terminate the contract. Additional grounds for termination include workplace misconduct, lawful disobedience, a demonstrable lack of expertise that an employee claimed to possess, frequent neglect of tasks, and repeated unexcused absences.
The notice period for terminating the contract is usually defined in the employment contract and is usually one month.
There is no general legislation regarding probationary periods.
If an employee's contract is terminated between one and twelve months into employment, he or she is entitled to 5/6 of their monthly salary for each month worked. Employees with one year or more of service receive the same severance package, plus compensation for unused vacation days.
Fiji's labor laws permit employees to work a maximum of 48 hours per week, excluding overtime.
Within the employment contract, the employer should specify any restrictions on overtime work. If an employee works less than 45 hours per week, he or she must work five days per week.
Fiji's minimum wage is FJ$2.32 per hour.
Fiji has both private and public health care facilities spread throughout the islands. While public institutions provide free care, they lack the resources available to private hospitals. While labor laws do not require health insurance, you can deduct a portion of an employee's wages as a contribution to health insurance if they agree.
Although the country's labor laws do not specify specific benefits or bonuses, you may provide additional compensation as you see fit.
Companies in Fiji are imposed a corporte tax rate of 20 percent.
Individuals in Fiji are subject to an income tax rate between 0 and 20 percent. The actual percentage depends on the income bracket the individual belongs to.
The value-added tax (VAT) or the goods and sales tax (GST) in Fiji is set at 9 percent.
The Fiji Visa Policy determines whether a person needs a travel permit to visit the nation or whether he or she may enter the country without one. A government issues a visa or travel permit to enable foreign citizens to enter and stay in the country for a variety of reasons.
The nationality of the visitors, the estimated duration of stay in the country, and the purpose of the journey to the country all influence the visa requirements.
Citizens of around 141 countries and territories do not need a travel permit or visa to visit Fiji for tourist reasons, according to the Fiji Visa Policy. These citizens are permitted to visit the nation for limited periods of time.
According to the Fiji Visa Policy, passport holders from around 88 countries must apply for a visa before traveling to Fiji for tourist reasons. This sort of visa is suitable for short travels.
Fiji gives varied permits for longer stays and other reasons, based on the needs of the traveller, such as job, education, or business.
According to the Fiji Visa Policy, people of various countries have varied alternatives for visiting Fiji. They may choose the choice that best meets their needs and nationality. According to the Fiji Visa Policy, passport holders from roughly 141 countries are eligible to visit Fiji without a visa. To enter the nation, they just need a valid passport. They may remain in the nation for up to four months without a visa.
According to the Fiji Visa Policy, people of around 88 countries must apply for a Fiji Visitor Visa in order to enter and remain in the country for 3 or 4 months. This Fiji visiting visa is valid for a single or multiple entries. Citizens may apply for the one that best meets their needs.
To apply for a Fiji visiting visa, you must have a valid passport valid for at least six months, pictures, proof of accommodation, an invitation letter, evidence of adequate cash, a trip itinerary, and travel insurance.
A Fiji Visitor Visa may be obtained by submitting a visa application to the closest Fiji Embassy. This necessitates a face-to-face interview. This form of visa procedure takes significantly longer to complete, thus it is recommended that you apply for this visa type a few weeks in advance. More information about each Visa type may be found in the section below.
An oral employment contract may be used when employing an employee for less than six months. You should go through the details of the employment, such as pay, working hours, and the expected completion date.
If an employee will be working for you for six months or more, you must develop a formal contract that is signed or stamped with a fingerprint. Wage, working hours, time off, and any other role characteristics should be included in this contract. This contract must be renewed yearly, or every two years if the employee's family is accompanying them if they choose to prolong serving.
Before signing a contract, workers should undergo a medical test to ensure that they are physically and mentally competent for work.
There is no set length for assignments. This is usually indicated in the employment contract for fixed-term employments.
Fijian Dollar (FJD)
United States Dollar (USD)
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Before you begin the subsidiary establishment procedure, you must decide what kind of business you want to register. In the nation, there are four options:
Sole trader: You operate your subsidiary as an individual, and you’re solely responsible for all associated debts and liabilities.
Partnership: Two or more people share one business, including profits, losses, and liabilities, with a partnership.
Private limited liability company (LLC): Members of this company are not held responsible for debts and liabilities. There must be a director of the private LLC who is a resident of the country, and there are limitations on shareholders’ abilities to transfer their shares.
Public: This type of company can sell shares to the public.
You should also consider your company's logistical elements, such as its name and location. Then, you must choose a facility that matches the demands of your company and budget for any expenses related with establishing your subsidiary.
After you've mastered the fundamentals, you must go through the whole registration procedure. The first step is to register the name and entity of your business with the Registrar of Companies Office. Following completion of this step, you must:
(1) Become a member of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
(2) The FRCS will examine your property.
(3) Obtain a letter from the Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations Minister.
(4) Make an application for a business license.
(5) Register with the Fiji National Provident Fund as an employer.
While the subsidiary procedure is quite simple, there are a few laws that must be considered. For starters, you must draft your company's Articles of Association. These papers will detail the governance and structure of your business and must comply with the requirements outlined in the Companies Act.
You'll also need to form a board of directors with specific decision-making authority. Finally, you must receive a National Fire Authority certificate to demonstrate that your building is safe for commercial operations and create a local bank account in order to lawfully manage funds.
