The International Labour Organization (ILO) is urging reforms to Pacific labour migration schemes, recommending measures to cut costs, simplify employer transfers, and expand healthcare access for workers.
The call comes in a new report, Temporary Labour Migration Schemes in the Pacific through the Lens of International Human Rights and Labour Standards, which reviews Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) program.
The report acknowledges the schemes’ benefits, providing jobs for Pacific workers while addressing labour shortages abroad, and notes recent policy reforms that have strengthened protections.
However, the ILO highlights gaps in meeting international labour standards, particularly around fair recruitment, decent work, and non-discrimination for women and other vulnerable groups.
“Temporary labour migration has delivered real gains for Pacific workers, their families, and regional economies,” said Martin Wandera, director of the ILO Country Office for the Pacific.
“Strengthening these schemes in line with international standards will ensure long-term success and benefit all stakeholders.”
Key challenges include high migration costs, including travel and documentation, despite recruitment fees being banned, leaving some workers in debt. Restrictions on changing employers also limit bargaining power and expose workers to poor conditions.
The report calls for cost-sharing reforms, streamlined employer-switching procedures, expanded healthcare access, simplified superannuation access in Australia, and greater inclusion of women and underrepresented groups.
Produced under the Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience project and funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the report aims to support the Global Compact on Migration and promote fair, sustainable labour mobility in the Pacific.
