FLP Calls for Caution on Freehold Buy Back Scheme Revival

The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has urged the government to reconsider its decision to revive the Freehold Land Buy Back Scheme, warning that such a move may have unintended economic and social consequences.

In a statement released today, the FLP said the scheme—which was discontinued in 1993 under the then SVT government—had previously encountered serious repayment issues from landowning units and should not be hastily reintroduced.

“While we acknowledge the importance of empowering i-Taukei landowners, the government must tread cautiously,” the party said, noting that more than 92% of all land in Fiji is already native-owned.

The remaining land consists of State and freehold property.

The party expressed concern that the government’s focus on buying back freehold land could send “the wrong signals” to both investors and Fiji’s landless communities.

It argued that more urgent issues around land accessibility and housing remain unresolved.

FLP has long advocated for the rights of thousands of landless citizens—many of whom live in informal settlements without legal tenure or access to basic services.

Citing Sections 32 and 35 of the 2013 Constitution, the party said the State has an obligation to ensure access to housing, sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods.

“There are around 170 informal settlements across Fiji, housing an estimated 180,000 people—many of whom are i-Taukei,” the party noted.

“They live without proper leases, often paying informal rent or unable to afford lease terms, and remain vulnerable to eviction.”

The FLP also highlighted the long-term economic costs of displacing productive farmers from leased land, only for that land to remain unused and unproductive.

The party has called for a national study on unutilised land and its economic impact.

“It’s time serious consideration was given to the plight of the landless in our country,” the statement concluded.