Andrés Palacio

Fiji, located in the Pacific Ocean, is classified as a Small Island Developing State and is characterised by a high rate of internal migration. This research explores the factors influencing mobility at the individual level in Fiji. Our study aims to uncover patterns of migrant selectivity and variations in migration tendencies among diverse groups within the Fijian population. The analysis considers variables such as age, gender, ethnicity and socio-economic indicators (including education and occupation). We analyse data from national censuses carried out between 1976 and 2007. The analysis reveals that individuals moving from remote or rural areas to urban centres tend to have higher socio-economic status. Youth aged 16–29 are the most mobile sub-group, and women tend to migrate more than men. This is likely explained by social norms around marriage and the greater educational and economic prospects available to women in cities. Additionally, migration patterns differ among ethnic groups: indigenous Fijians generally show a higher mobility rate than others. However, this pattern varies across time periods, and in the most recent data, Indo-Fijians from remote regions display the highest migration rates, which possibly reflect underlying ethnic divisions within the country.