A new International Labour Organization (ILO) report has called for stronger protections and reforms in Pacific labour migration schemes, emphasizing measures such as reducing migration costs, allowing easier employer changes, and expanding healthcare access for migrant workers. The report, Temporary labour migration schemes in the Pacific through the lens of international human rights and labour standards, evaluates Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, recognizing their contributions to economic resilience in the Pacific by providing employment opportunities and addressing labour shortages in destination countries. Recent policy reforms by both governments to enhance worker protections are acknowledged, but the report identifies areas requiring further improvement.
The report highlights gaps in ensuring that the schemes fully align with international standards of decent work, fair recruitment, and non-discrimination, particularly for women and other vulnerable groups. While temporary labour migration has delivered benefits for workers, families, and regional economies, issues remain that can undermine worker welfare. Migration costs, including travel, documentation, and other requirements, often place workers in debt before employment begins. The ILO recommends reviewing these costs and ensuring a fairer distribution of financial responsibilities among employers, workers, and governments.
Restrictions on changing employers are another major concern, as limited mobility can reduce bargaining power and increase exposure to poor working conditions. The report suggests introducing simpler, accessible procedures for workers to change employers with minimal administrative burden. Additionally, expanding equal access to healthcare and simplifying access to superannuation in Australia for departing workers are encouraged to improve welfare and security.
The report also calls for a review of women’s participation in the PALM and RSE schemes, aiming to strengthen inclusion and promote opportunities for other underrepresented groups. The findings are part of broader ILO efforts to promote fair and effective labour migration governance, enhance protections for migrant workers, and support sustainable development in both Pacific Island countries and destination nations. This work is produced under the Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience in the Pacific project, funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund in support of the Global Compact on Migration.
