Should foreign aid consider inter-Pacific Islands migration in the context of climate change? Evidence from Fiji

Motivation

This research brings a Pacific Islands-centred perspective into the discussion of foreign aid and climate mobility. Climate-related migration is a crucial issue in Oceania as climate change is increasingly affecting Pacific Islanders. In this context, the Pacific Islands are typically seen as migrant-sending countries to places outside the region. Inter-Pacific Islands migration (IPIM) is barely recognized.

Purpose

Should foreign aid consider climate-related IPIM? This article focuses on Fiji to: (1) assess current knowledge on migration between the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) and Fiji's role therein; (2) maps aid-funded climate mobility initiatives in the Pacific Islands; and (3) explores Fiji's national polices and local Fijian perspectives on regional climate-related immigration to Fiji.

Methods and approach

This study draws on a combination of statistical analysis, policy document analysis, expert interviews, and semi-structured interviews and an in-depth online survey involving local Fijians. Additionally, it incorporates the author's personal work experience as a Pacific Islander and a Fijian traversing climate mobility aid and policy spaces relating to Oceania.

Findings

Current aid policies and initiatives addressing climate mobility have insufficiently considered IPIM. Migration from other PICTs to Fiji is significant, both in terms of numbers and in its current and potential impacts on local Fijians. Neither research, nor Fiji's national policies, nor donors have sufficiently considered this issue to date.

Policy implications

Aid policies and initiatives targeting climate-related migration in PICTs need to be refocused to give more attention to IPIM. Donors must expand their support to migrant-receiving communities in PICTs such as Fiji. By recognizing and investing in IPIM, donors can foster mutual benefits for Fiji, other PICTs, and donor countries.