Residing in Fiji as a Spouse

Married spouses  Married spouses and dependents of UN staff (and other diplomats) normally get an 'exemption', which entitles them to enter Fiji without a permit. With an exemption, one may not be allowed to work, study or research.

De Facto and same sex relationships While de facto and same sex relationships are recognized by the UN, they are not by the Fiji government. They will therefore not get an exemption. De facto spouses will get the status of long term visitor and /or receive a residence permit; same sex partners can only obtain a tourist visa that has to be renewed every four months.

Working in Fiji as a Spouse

Due to a protective economy, existing policies and limited jobs available (small pool of supply and demand), there are challenges for spouses to find employment in Fiji.

If you find work, even volunteering, you MUST have a valid work permit. If you do manage to get a work visa as a spouse, usually a short-term work permit will be granted to work in Fiji for a period of six months (or less). Your application will only be considered for approval if you have the appropriate documentation. For full list of required document, please refer to: Fiji-Immigration website

If you change jobs, or are granted a renewal of contract, a new permit has to be obtained following the same procedures and re-payment of fees.

Receving a letter from a potential employer and providing all other necessary documents does NOT guarantee that you will be issued a work permit.  From previous LESA members experiences, work permits are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Immigration Department. Attempts at otaining a work permit may be time-consuming and stressful, with approval dependent on factors such as the type of work and the organization you will work for.  Make sure you are well familiar with the rules: Fiji-Immigration website

Work as a (UN) Consultant

Consultants are only allowed to work if their employer obtains a work permit for a specific project. A work permit costs FJD 650 and is often handled by the agency and local co-sponsor hiring you. 
 

It is also possible to work as a UN Consultant for Pacific posts, in which case, it is not necessary to obtain a work permit from Fiji.  Stories have varied on this point; i.e. contracts that are based in Suva that manage regional projects.  The UN agency hiring you should clarify this. You may be required to pass a UN security certification.  

Work for UN SSA (Special Services Agreement)

Experiences have varied depending on the UN agency. Some have had to obtain the work permit at their own cost; others had the UN agency arrange and pay the permit fee for them. It is also required to get a tax number.
 

Work at a Diplomatic Mission

Though rare, employment with foreign embassies in Fiji is possible with the mission applying for your work permit.  Take note that most positions advertised are local posts and paid a local salary.  Generally you have to be a national of that country, but it is largely dependent on the mission. It can take some time (3-4) months to get the work permit and it is required to get police clearance and a tax number.

Work as a Teacher

Even if you have overseas teaching qualifications, a local salary is offered if you are recruited from within Fiji.  To be a teacher or volunteer at a local school, one must apply for a work permit and register with the Fiji Teachers' Registration Board (FTRB) and pay an additional required fee. Once the contract is signed, you must also register at the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), as the employer is required pay income tax on your salary by law.

Volunteer Work

If you are interested in volunteering with a local organization or NGO, you must also go through the procedures of obtaining a work/ volunteer permit.  It has been advised that you go to the Immigration Deptartment with an employee from the organization interested in 'hiring' you, even when told that you must arrange this by yourself.  Some organizations such as the Fiji Red Cross Society and JP Bayly Trust have success with recruitment of short-term volunteers. Red Cross often provides volunteer positions in areas of health, health promotion, youth activities and finance.