On the 10th of May 2020, the Global Research Forum on Diaspora and Transnationalism [GRFDT] held a panel discussion on ‘Migrants and Immigrants during COVID 19: Country Specific Cases.’
Professor Biman Prasad, Member of Parliament in Fiji and former Professor at the University of South Pacific, Fiji, discussed the unprecedented economic fallout in the Pacific countries as a result of COVID-19. Professor Prasad stated that more than 40% of Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) comes from tourism, particularly from the tourists of New Zealand and Australia who contribute approximately 65% of the total income from tourism. Fiji also depends heavily on remittances that are generated through the migration of seasonal workers to New Zealand and Australia. He pointed out that as a consequence of this dependence on the movement of people across borders, the closure of borders due to COVID-19 will have a crippling impact on the economies of not only Fiji but also on the similar economies of other Pacific nations such as Samoa and Tonga.
There has been talks between Australia and New Zealand with regard to the opening of borders, lifting of the ‘on pause’ status imposed on Trans-Tasman bubble and how the Pacific nations can be made to benefit from these measures.
The opening of borders is going to determine the medium-term economic impact of countries in the Pacific due to COVID-19: Professor Biman Prasad
However, there is still uncertainty as to whether people would be interested in travelling even if the borders are open.
Professor Prasad stated that he is looking forward to observe how New Zealand and Australia will plan their strategy post COVID-19. He believes that platforms like the Pacific Islands Forum shall be instrumental in the adoption of decisions based on consensus and mutual gain. He concluded by expressing the hope that Australia and New Zealand shall take into account the concerns of Pacific countries while mapping their post COVID strategies and utilize the opportunities provided by ‘the new normal’ to the benefit of all.
Inomusa Ndlovu
A Zimbabwean, creative writer, feminist and a student of M.A in Political Science at the University of Lucknow, India. She can be reached on twitter @InomusaCN