Laws and Policies in Fiji

Employment Contracts in Fiji

Employment relationships are regulated by the Fiji Employment Relations Act (ERA) 2007 and its amendments.

Mandatory Contract Requirements

Employment contracts must be in writing and include:

• Employer & employee details
• Job title and duties
• Salary & pay frequency
• Hours of work
• Overtime rules
• Leave entitlements
• Probation period
• Termination & notice terms

Types of Contracts

• Indefinite-term contracts (standard form)
• Fixed-term contracts (project or time-bound work)
• Casual or part-time contracts

Probation Period

• Typically 3 months, extendable by agreement.

An EOR ensures contracts meet ERA requirements and remain compliant with Fijian labor standards.

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Working Hours in Fiji

• Standard hours:
  • 8 hours per day
  • 44 hours per week

Overtime

Paid at:

• 150% of hourly wage for standard overtime
• 200% for Sunday or public holiday work

Shift and night work may also attract premium pay depending on industry.

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Employee Leave in Fiji

Annual Leave

• Employees are entitled to 10 working days of paid vacation annually.
• Increases may apply through collective agreements or employment level.

Sick Leave

• 10 working days per year after 3 months of service.
• Must provide medical certification for extended absences.

Maternity Leave

• 98 days of paid maternity leave
  • 50% of salary covered by employer (or more depending on agreement).

Paternity Leave

• 5 days paid paternity leave.

Family Care Leave

• 5 days paid leave per year for immediate family-related needs.

Public Holidays

Fiji has 10–12 paid public holidays, including National Day, Diwali, Christmas, and Fiji Day.

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Employee Benefits in Fiji

Mandatory Benefits

1. Superannuation Fund (FNPF)
   • Employer: 10%
   • Employee: 8%
     Contributed to the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) for retirement, disability, and housing support.
2. Paid Annual & Sick Leave
   As mandated under ERA.
3. Overtime Premiums & Holiday Pay
4. Maternity & Paternity Benefits

Common Extra Benefits

Many employers also offer:

• Private medical insurance
• Meal/transport allowance
• Phone and internet allowance
• Paid training programs
• Performance bonuses

An EOR ensures the benefit package is both compliant and competitive.

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Payroll & Tax in Fiji

Payroll Currency

• Salaries paid in Fijian Dollar (FJD).

Payroll Cycle

• Typically biweekly or monthly.

Income Tax (PAYE)

Employers must withhold income tax at source under the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system.

Tax brackets range from 0% to 20%, depending on income level.

Social Contributions

• Employer: 10% to FNPF
• Employee: 8% to FNPF

Other Statutory Deductions

• Social responsibility tax (high-income earners)
• FNPF surcharge for certain benefits

An EOR handles all filings with the Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (FRCS) and FNPF.

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Employment Laws & Compliance in Fiji

Key regulations include:

• Employment Relations Act (ERA) 2007
• Fiji National Provident Fund Act
• Health & Safety at Work Act
• Wages Regulation Orders (industry-specific)

Termination Rules

Termination must comply with ERA procedures.

Notice Period:

• Typically 1–2 weeks for short service
• Up to 1 month for longer service
• Probation: shorter notice allowed

Severance Pay:

• Generally 1 week of pay for each completed year of service when terminated due to redundancy.
• Not required for termination due to gross misconduct.

Anti-Discrimination

Employers may not discriminate on:

• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Disability
• Family status
• Political opinion

Workplace Safety

Employers must ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations, provide PPE, and manage injury compensation.