Why are there south Asians on Fiji islands?

The primary reason for the presence of South Asians in Fiji islands is the British colonial practice of transporting indentured laborers from India to work on sugar plantations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

* British Colonialism:

In the 1800s, Fiji became a British colony. To satisfy the labor needs of the burgeoning sugarcane sector, the British government arranged for workers to be transported from India.

Economic Incentives:

The colonial government in Fiji provided financial incentives to Indian nationals, offering cheap labor for the sugar industry.

* Sugar Industry Expansion:

The growth of Fiji's sugar industry fueled the demand for a dependable labor force which led to the recruitment of laborers from India.

* Indentured Servitude:

Under indentured servitude, workers signed contracts that obliged them to work for a set period typically five years on plantations in exchange for wages.

* Contract Expiry:

After completing their indenture period, many Indian laborers opted to settle permanently in Fiji, some returned to India, while others ventured to other parts of the world.

* Post-Independence:

After Fiji gained independence in 1970, the South Asian population that originated from indentured laborers had established roots in the country and continued to contribute to Fiji's cultural, economic, and political landscape.

Therefore, the presence of south Asians in Fiji islands can largely be attributed to the historical practice of indentured labor during British colonial rule, which brought Indian workers to Fiji for the development of the sugar industry and many of whom chose to make the islands their permanent home.