Labour mobility in the pacific. Climate resilience ence strategy is a focus in the Pacific.
Labour mobility in the pacific. A 'Triple-Win Nov 18, 2023 · This new data provides powerful insights and evidence to support the growth of, and reforms to, labour mobility programs to deliver even larger gains for families, communities, and Pacific countries. PALM workers make an important contribution to the Australian economy, including addressing longstanding workforce issues across key sectors in the Australian economy. It covers how Pacific migration has evolved from the initial colonial histories Pacific Islander seasonal worker in Australia The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme is a guest worker program that allows Australian businesses to hire temporary workers from nine Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme allows eligible Australian businesses to hire workers from 9 Pacific islands and Timor-Leste when there are not enough local workers available. Organised by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), the event, which has become the pre-eminent regional meeting on Apr 5, 2023 · Labour migration has a long history in the Pacific islands’ region, from the ‘blackbirding’ era at the end of the nineteenth century when islanders came to work in the cane fields of Queensland, until this century when once again islanders came to work in Australia and New Zealand, this time in orchards and horticulture. Once approved to recruit workers under the PALM scheme, employers can access workers to fill unskilled, low-skilled, or semi-skilled positions for short-term jobs (up to 9 months Develop a Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Strategy that includes workers, employer organisations, governments and non-state actors and considers the socio-economic costs and benefits for both the receiving and sending countries. “Labour mobility is a two-way street, and we understand that sending countries are seeking tailored involvement in the PALM scheme. s of the world. Nov 6, 2023 · Labour mobility is activated by unmet labour demand by employers in labour receiving countries. This new scheme has one visa, and improvements to cut bureaucracy. A study released today by UNICEF looks at the impact of the Pacific labour mobility scheme Jun 29, 2022 · Abstract Circular labor mobility provides opportunities for Pacific Islanders to upskill whilst alleviating labor shortages in Australia and New Zealand. Labour migration is the predominant form of cross-border mobility in Asia and the Pacific, with 63 per cent of working-age international migrants engaged in labour, totalling around 24 million people. Papua New Guinea has labour mobility arrangements with Australia through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and New Zealand through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. Some Pacific countries are already sending significant numbers of temporary workers to Australia, but many lack sufficient capacity and capability to support the PLS as it grows. The scheme was Aug 7, 2023 · A combined total of almost 48,000 visas were issued to workers participating in Australia’s PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme and New Zealand’s RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 – virtually double the 24,975 visas issued in 2018-19, the last full year of recruitment pre-COVID. Pacific Labor Mobility, Migration, and Remittances in times of COVID-19 detailed the impacts of COVID-19 on employment, remittances, international labor mobility, and livelihoods across the region. Support the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in the development of the Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles to strengthen migration governance (with ILO). in greater In mobility pathways. The Pacific Labour Scheme will complement our existing Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP), which since 2012 has brought more than 25,000 workers from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. There is no doubt that labour movements are integral to regional economic Sep 17, 2024 · The UNICEF report, titled The Impact of Pacific Labour Mobility Schemes on Children Left Behind, has found regional employment schemes can sometimes create family tensions and lead to marital breakdowns. Noting the work is currently on-going, the Secretariat will look to provide this as an update at the Forum Trade Sep 3, 2024 · Highlights This study aims to understand the impact of Pacific labor mobility schemes on children left behind in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. ILO supported the development and adoption of the Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobi ity by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS). The study focuses on Pacific labor mobility schemes on children left behind in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. . Labour mobility is central to Australia’s engagement with the Pacific and Timor-Leste, providing jobs for Pacific and Timor-Leste workers and enabling them to develop skills, earn income and support their families and communities back home. Pacific Possible: Labour Mobility examines what is possible through overseas employment for Pacific Islanders. You can join the PALM scheme, which includes the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), through a single application. PALM enhances the cultural vibrancy of regional and rural communities across Australia. Engagement with regional employers The Pacific Possible: Labour Mobility paper explores the potential benefits of labour mobility by 2040, providing a range of recommendations and policy reforms to achieve them. Project Summary: The overall objective of the ‘Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific’ project is to enhance the benefits of safe and fair migration as a sustainable development and climate resilience strategy in the Pacific. The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme has been promoted by both Labor and Coalition governments as a mutually beneficial migration arrangement between Australia and the South Pacific. A collaborative project of the ANU Development Policy Centre and the World Bank Social and Labour Global Practice. This project is jointly implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and International Labour Organization (ILO). According to Australia's Department of Home Affairs, Fiji has become the biggest supplier of workers through the PALM - up to 6379 after being at just 266 in 2019. Kerry McCarthy, a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) employer and Gary Jones of Mr. Read more at Monash Lens. Labour mobility is central to Australia’s engagement with the Pacific and Timor-Leste. Abstract This paper provides a review of the existing evidence relating to migration and labor mobility across the Pacific Island countries. It seems that, after trade and investment, labour mobility constitutes the final frontier for regional integration among the Asia-Pacific economies. Authored by Richard Curtain, Jesse Doyle, Matthew Dornan and Stephen Howes. Already a key sector prior to 2020, the arrival of the pandemic on our shores led to a significant decline in economic growth, increasing the importance of labour mobility as a contributor economic development in the region. Based on this, key recommendations in the comprehensive assessment support the vision and levels of ambition within the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, particularly under the This book explores the implications of student mobility on higher education across the Asia Pacific Region and discusses the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Executive Summary This annual progress report focuses on results achieved under the ‘Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific’ project from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023. Although longer term temporary mig Mar 31, 2022 · The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme allows people from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to work in unskilled, low-skilled, and semi-skilled jobs in rural and regional Australia for up to 3 years. The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is the primary temporary migration program to address unskilled, low-skilled, and semi-skilled workforce shortages in rural and regional Australia and is built on strong partnerships between Australia, Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste. The joint project will contribute towards improved labour migration governance, decent work principles and standards in Nov 8, 2023 · Australia's 2018 introduction of the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) broadened the scope and duration of labour mobility pathways available to Pacific Island countries. Dec 17, 2024 · Previous surveys on labor migration from Pacific Island countries are often cross-sectional, not readily available, and focusing on one migration scheme, country, or issue and hence incompatible. As part of the new program, we’ll collaborate with Pacific partners to build the systems, partnerships, evidence-based policies and connections to regional and Australian stakeholders. The report brings together analysis of both existing data and primary data collected through a series of phone-based quantitative surveys on Pacific seasonal workers, their Dec 15, 2023 · The World Bank’s new report, The Gains and Pains of Working Away from Home, makes the extraordinary claim that migrant workers and their communities experience “net positive” social outcomes from Pacific labour mobility schemes that split up families. Chapter 3 Demographic Change and International Labour Mobility in Southeast Asia – Issues, Policies and Implications for Cooperation Chapter 5 Demographic Change and International Labour Mobility in the Pacific Americas – Issues, Policies and Implications for Cooperation Appendix I PECC Case Study Team on International Labour Mobility The Pacific Labour Facility (PLF) is a $127. Oct 9, 2024 · Nuku'alofa, Tonga: The benefits and challenges of the temporary labour mobility programs to Australia and New Zealand was the topic of the Speaker’s second public debate held at Parliament House in Nuku’alofa on Friday, 4 October. This project (finishing this month) contributes towards improved labour migration governance, decent work principles and standards in labour migration programmes, promotion of The joint programme ‘Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific’ aims to enhance the benefits of safe and fair migration as a sustainable development and climate resilience strategy through improved labour migration governance, decent work principles and standards in labour migration programmes, promotion of safe and regular labour mobility programmes Improving Outcomes of Pacific Labor Mobility for Women, Families, and Communities Disclaimer This volume is a product of the staf of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank. Such limitation of existing data restricts analysis of a range of policy-relevant issues that present themselves over the migrants' life cycle such as those on migration pathways, long-term changes in Jan 29, 2018 · Labour mobility presents one of the few viable opportunities for sustainable development in most Pacific Forum Island Countries (FICs). At the end of 2021, the government of Australia announced that Australia’s Pacific labour mobility initiatives – the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) – would be put under the new Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The Deputy Secretary for the Solomon Apr 13, 2023 · The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is expected to increase from its present 35,000 workers to almost 50,000 by 2025-26, while New Zealand’s labour mobility programmes are expanding to new sectors including construction and infrastructure, meat and seafood processing, the care workforce, and tourism and hospitality. A combined total of almost 48,000 visas were issued to workers participating in Australia’s PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme and New Zealand’s RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 – virtually double the 24,975 visas issued in 2018-19, the last full year of recruitment pre-COVID. Pacific countries are developing more capability to support labour mobility but will need support into the medium term. The following key results were achieved, aligned Sep 10, 2024 · Suva, Fiji, 11 September 2024 – Labour mobility schemes have attracted a large number of Pacific workers overseas over the last decade. Jan 31, 2025 · HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The preeminent regional forum for labour mobility, the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) will be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands in November 2025. As countries face labour shortages and ageing populations Issues around the socio-economic impacts of labour mobility have also been discussed in Forum ministerial meetings, particularly the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting where Leaders reaffirmed the role of the Forum Trade Ministers as the principal Ministerial meeting with oversight on labour mobility issues whilst acknowledging the complementary role of FEMM particularly when it The Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme (including the Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Worker Programme) brings Pacific and Timor-Leste workers to Australia to fill low and semi-skilled roles in regional and rural Australia. Apple, a leading New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) employer, shared their perspectives. This report is part of a broader analytical work program on labor mobility in the Pacific that the World Bank has been undertaking with financial support from the Australian Department of Foreign Afairs and Trade. Overview of labour mobility in the Pacific Region The Pacific Islands region has long been characterised by substantial migration flows. Oct 15, 2024 · Pacific Island Forum Leaders are keen to ensure synergies in the development phase of the Pacific regional labour mobility principles with current implementation work under the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus), and other relevant agencies. Managed circular schemes are designed to How to apply The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme gives Pacific island and Timor-Leste workers an opportunity access a range of short-term and long-term jobs in Australia through their governments' labour sending units (LSUs). The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is a demand-driven program that allows Australian employers to hire workers from 9 Pacific islands and Timor-Leste when there are not enough local workers available. With young populations and rising unemployment exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, socioeconomic pressures on these nations have been intensifying. It explores why migration is so critical for the region, determining that the economic geography of the islands make it a necessity to maintain reasonable living standards. Executive Summary This final report focuses on results achieved under the ‘Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific’ project from 9 August 2022 to 8 February 2025. The Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme is the primary vehicle through which New Zealand offers labour mobility opportunities to Pacific countries. Background The Labour Mobility Unit (PNG-LMU), based in the Department of Treasury, facilitates labour mobility of PNG citizens, primarily to Australia and New Zealand under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes. Nov 24, 2023 · PORT VILA, Vanuatu – The Government of Vanuatu successfully hosted the seventh Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) from 20-24 November 2023, bringing together nearly 350 delegates from across the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Timor Leste. Pacific countries a higher GDP have the fewest labour mobility r flects higher opportunities. The PLMAM has been established as the preeminent regional meeting on This year’s Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM), held under the banner “Collectively Building Resilience”, took place in Brisbane from 11 to 14 November 2024. This systematic literature review (SLR) takes stock of these studies and asks what they individually and collectively reveal about their economic and social value, and their The Regional Labour Mobility Strategy will complement and build on existing initiatives, enhance coordination, and inform future interventions and decision making of key national and regional labour mobility stakeholders in the Pacific,” said Jacqueline Weekers. A combined total of almost 48,000 visas were issued to workers participating in Australia’s PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme and […] Note: 2020 figures from “Pacific Labor Mobility, Migration and Remittances in Times of COVID-19” (World Bank, 2021), and 2015 figures from World Bank’s 2017 report on the Seasonal Worker Program, collected across a few years, and the question is the workers’ satisfaction rating out of 10 of their working experience in the host country In early November, over 150 delegates from around the Pacific, including government and employer representatives from Australia and New Zealand, gathered in Apia, Samoa for the fifth Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM). The report draws on findings from the Greater labour mobility would expand the employment options available to Pacific Islanders, but it is currently limited and skewed in favour of skilled workers. May 8, 2024 · As Australia seeks to reset its relationship with Pacific neighbours, centring the voice, rights, and priorities of Pacific countries regarding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme will be crucial to maintaining stability and mutual respect in the region. ” Driven by demographic changes, and reinforced by intensifying globalization, international labour mobility has been on the rise in recent decades in the Asia-Pacific region. The promotion of Pacific labour mobility has widespread, bipartisan support in Australia these days, but it wasn’t always so. Pacific Island countries face unique development challenges. Aug 8, 2023 · A combined total of almost 48,000 visas were issued to workers participating in Australia’s PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme and New Zealand’s RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) scheme between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 – virtually double the 24,975 visas issued in 2018-19, the last full year of recruitment pre-COVID. One of the arguments against the scheme was that it would be a Why is Labor Mobility Important to Pacific Nations? Pacific Island countries face unique challenges due to their geographical dispersion, distance to markets, small populations, and susceptibility to natural disasters and climate change. PALM fosters links between people, businesses, and communities, creating deeper connections and understanding between Australia and the Pacific. Analyzing nearly 200 studies, it highlights varying results regarding the development effects of labour mobility, with some studies noting positive impacts while others indicate negative consequences. For these small economies, trade While the numbers of international migrants from, and within, the Pacific are small in overall terms, the importance of labour mobility and its impact on societies and economies in many parts of the Pacific cannot be underestimated. A major contributor to Pacific economic growth, particularly following COVID-19, has been labour mobility. Nov 23, 2021 · The promise of labour mobility in the Australian government’s new temporary migrant labour scheme is mostly for employers, not workers. Dec 15, 2022 · This comprehensive report on labour mobility aligns to the endorsed 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Sep 15, 2016 · With the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995 (temporary) international labour mobility was included in the General Agreement on Services as Mode 4 of service delivery (Dawson 2012). These earnings help to achieve workers’ financial goals, including paying school fees The last day of PLMAM 2025, Thursday 6 November, is the Pacific Labour Mobility Dialogue, which is the official meeting of all labour sending and receiving countries to discuss and decide on strategic priorities and way forward. The Pacific Labour Mobility Survey will continue to gather information on the same variables from the same people in future rounds of data collection. Issues include excessive payroll deductions, limited ability to switch employers and difficulty Sep 12, 2024 · Suva, Fiji, 11 September 2024 – Labour mobility schemes have attracted many Pacific workers overseas over the last decade. Led by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), these principles aim to address ongoing and emerging challenges facing labor mobility in the region. When a seasonal worker program for the Pacific was first being considered, it met with some stiff opposition. Employers therefore play a critical role in the success of Pacific labour mobility. This project is jointly implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It explores how these schemes influence the lives of children, families, and communities, focusing on protection risks and access to essential services in both urban and rural settings. Jan 30, 2025 · HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The preeminent regional forum for labour mobility, the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM) will be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands in November 2025. The continued success of Pacific labour mobility will be dependent on maintaining the breadth, quality and integrity of programs, ensuring safeguards remain in place to protect the welfare and wellbeing of workers and enabling demand-driven growth. In the past, they have mostly consisted of permanent migration flows directed to the Pacific Rim. Given their youth bulge, unemployment is a pressing problem. Through temporary employment in New Zealand, Pacific workers can earn higher incomes and remit these earnings back to their communities in the Pacific. The scheme allows participating workers to work in seasonal agricultural jobs for up to 9 months, or in longer-term jobs for between 1 and 4 years. Table 1 lists the main trade agreements affecting Pacific Islands and their provisions (if any) for labour mobility. This week, the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) is in Honiara to begin preparations for PLMAM 2025 in collaboration with the Government of the Solomon Islands. Labour mobility was identified by member countries as an important source of revenue. The PALM scheme is central to Australia’s commitment to build a stronger Pacific family, enabling businesses to access productive and reliable workers when they are unable to fill jobs locally and enabling Pacific workers to develop skills Mar 22, 2021 · In this paper, we review the main seasonal labor mobility schemes in the Pacific and provide new evidence on community-level and aggregate impacts. While much is known about the economic benefits of these programmes, until now, less was known about the social and economic costs – including the impact on children. Feb 24, 2022 · The report, Pacific labor mobility, migration, and remittances in times of COVID-19, explores the impacts of the crisis and prospects for Pacific labor mobility in further detail. 1 The prospects of development for these island nations are highly constrained by the inherent disadvantages of their smallness, isolation, vulnerability to natural disasters and, in some cases, rapid population growth. A study released by UNICEF with government partners and research support from The University of the Australia’s Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS): Designed to meet business demand across all sectors in rural and regional Australia Note: SWP and PLS have been merged under the Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in Australia. Australian employers in the agriculture sector have gained commercial benefits and personal connections established from Pacific labour mobility initiatives. Past studies have sought to understand the value of the labor schemes, yet very few have focused on the experiences of i-Kiribati participants. MFAT Management Response to Strengthening Pacific Labour Mobility 23of 4 Nov 25, 2023 · This new data provides powerful insights and evidence to support the growth of, and reforms to, labour mobility programs to deliver even larger gains for families, communities, and Pacific countries. Forum Leaders noted the proposal to develop Pacific regional labour mobility principles, in collaboration with Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus) Implementation Unit (PPIU), and other relevant agencies to ensure synergies and avoid unnecessary duplication in the proposed development of the principles. Nov 12, 2008 · Driven by demographic changes, and reinforced by intensifying globalization, international labour mobility has been on the rise in recent decades in the Asia-Pacific region. In October of 2022, the Australian Government committed to reaching 35,000 workers by June 2023 and the program recently surpassed that total. The Deputy Secretary for the Solomon Aug 11, 2023 · Following the reopening of borders across the Pacific region in mid-2022 in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a quick recovery in temporary labour migration flows to Australia and New Zealand. The project “Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific” is jointly implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Kerry […]. While Tonga welcomes the income and social benefits brought by having over 5,000 workers overseas sending money home, the exodus of its prime workforce has led Jul 22, 2025 · Labour Mobility Labour migration is the predominant form of cross-border mobility in Asia and the Pacific, with 63 per cent of working-age international migrants engaged in labour, totalling around 24 million people. Mar 22, 2021 · Abstract. Suva, Fiji, 11 September 2024 – Labour mobility schemes have attracted a large number of Pacific workers overseas over the last decade. All workers can gain valuable skills, experience and income to take back to their families and communities. This program not only 2 days ago · The initiative marks a milestone in promoting inclusive labour mobility, climate resilience, and sustainable development in one of the Pacific’s most migration-dependent economies. Nov 12, 2024 · Introduction The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Program is a cornerstone of Australia's engagement with Pacific Island countries, including Papua New Guinea (PNG). The World Bank has argued in its Pacific Possible series that expanding labour mobility has the potential to bring enormous development benefits to PICs and is vital for the future of the Pacific region, not only to alleviate population pressures and unemployment in PICs but also because the advanced countries in the Pacific Rim Apr 14, 2025 · The Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Principles are set to be endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2025. The Pacific islands have weak economic growth and limited structural change compared to the rest of developing Asia. 5m contracted mechanism to support implementation of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Yet, as growing evidence of abuse and exploitation comes to light, the supposed “win-win” of Pacific labour mobility appears more tenuous than ever. To mitigate these constraints, bilateral arrangements with Australia and New Zealand let Pacific workers seasonally migrate to access higher-paying, more dynamic labor markets. which result particular, PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Kiribati are both poor and isolated, with few labour countries, an accident of history. The following key results, which The number of Australia’s Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme visa holders has surged in the last five years, from 6,000 in 2019 to more than 32,000 as of May 2024, and eligible employment sectors have expanded. Remoteness and low economic density are two causes. PIFS – IOM MoU signed on 6 April 2023 to support the development of a regional labor mobility strategy, fostering cooperation in trade and labor mobility within the Pacific From The University of Auckland Library: Over the last decade, research and policy reviews have analysed different aspects of international labour mobility schemes between Pacific countries and New Zealand and Australia. 18 hours ago · The number of Pacific workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme continues to rise. This systematic literature review examines the economic and social impacts of international labour mobility schemes between Pacific countries and New Zealand and Australia. It provides opportunities for Pacific and Timorese workers to develop skills, earn income and send money home to support their families and communities and the economic growth of their To deliver on the decision by our Leaders in early 2023, the Secretariat has commenced consultations to inform a proposed approach to develop the Pacific Regional Labour Mobility Strategy in close consultation with Members, partners, Non-State Actors, CROP, and development partners. Questions & Answers Frequently asked questions What is labour mobility? Labor mobility is when workers can move around between different countries. Summary In 2020, Forum Trade Ministers endorsed labour mobility as a standing agenda item and directed the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) to undertake a comprehensive assessment on labour mobility arrangements, including regional and sub-regional agreements. Dec 17, 2023 · These data provide new evidence to support the growth of, and reforms to, labor mobility programs to deliver even larger gains for families, communities, and Pacific countries. In line with the International Development Policy, Pacific labour mobility is a long-term commitment based on respect, listening, and learning from each other. While much is known about the economic benefits of these programmes, until now, less was known about the social and economic costs - including the impact on children. Climate resilience ence strategy is a focus in the Pacific. The Palladium-managed Pacific Labour Facility (PLF) celebrated a major workforce milestone in January for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme – six months early. The findings aim to guide Pacific governments in Apr 14, 2025 · Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific The project is jointly implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Labour mobility is highly valued by Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste and is central to the Australia’s engagement in the region. The PLMAM serves as a crucial platform for increasing regional labour mobility cooperation on labour mobility priorities in the region Dec 6, 2024 · Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, initially designed to support Pacific Island countries' development, now faces criticism for unjust conditions and exploitation of workers. Our studies propose specific policy recommendations to this end. One in every three international migrants globally originates from the region, making it a key driver of global labour mobility. While much is known about the economic benefits of these The seasonal labor mobility opportunities provided by Australia and New Zealand have had positive impacts in the Pacific to date, but a key question is whether scope exists to expand these programs. Australia has also added a new permanent migration pathway, the Pacific Engagement Visa, which works on a ballot system. The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is open to 9 participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste.