The migration of people has been a central element in the history of the Pacific region. In recent years, new challenges related to increasing populations and decreasing opportunities for formal employment have resulted in overseas remittances becoming an important source of income for many communities and a significant factor in national economic growth statistics. A crucial source of revenue for Tuvalu and Kiribati are the remittances from the seafarers who crew vessels for international shipping companies from North America and Europe. In Fiji, over the last twenty years many skilled workers have moved offshore to seek better career paths, training and job opportunities. The largest migration streams have been from Polynesia, especially Samoa and Tonga. Up to 40 per cent of the populations of these two countries are estimated to be living abroad, mainly in New Zealand, but also significant numbers in the United States, Australia and Canada.
Labour migration programmes with Australia and New Zealand
In 2006 New Zealand introduced the Recognized Seasonal Employers Scheme (RSE) to assist its employers in the horticulture and viticulture industries. Priority is given to unskilled workers from six Pacific countries. The Australian Pacific Seasonal Workers Pilot Scheme (PSWPS) was launched in August 2008 as a programme for unskilled workers from four Pacific Island countries to gain access to temporary work opportunities in the horticulture industry.
ILO support to Pacific migration programmes
In October 2010, the ILO Country Office for South Pacific Island Countries launched a technical cooperation project entitled ‘Global Jobs Pact Framework for Pacific Labour Governance and Migration’. The objective of the migration component of this project is to enhance the development impact of the PSWPS and RSE programmes by building the capacity of governments, unions, businesses and local communities to provide returned migrant workers with effective re-integration services based on identified needs. The project will also gather information and share knowledge on best practices for pre-departure services, while promoting service delivery which is gender sensitive and inclusive.