Cook Islands launches website to support migrant workers

Rarotonga, Cook Islands (ILO News) — The Cook Islands Migrant Hub, a new online platform designed to assist migrant workers planning to, or already working in the Cook Islands has been launched.

The Hub (www.cookislandsmigranthub.com) was developed by the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO), through funding from the New Zealand Government under the Pacific Climate Change, Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS) Phase II Programme.

It acts as a one-stop resource to help migrants make the decision to work in the Cook Islands and to provide practical information to support their transition to living and working there. By doing so it will help strengthen the country’s workforce and community while supporting the rights and working conditions of migrant workers. The initiative also emphasizes resilience and adaptation supporting sustainability and climate awareness.

Speaking at the launch on 23 September 2025, New Zealand High Commissioner Catherine Graham underlined the importance of this initiative: “It’s really important in the Cook Islands because so many workers come from other countries. This platform enables them to access information easily, settle in, and contribute,” she said.

The Hub features guidance on immigration, employment rights, housing, healthcare, education, transport and banking. It also introduces the people and culture of the Cook Islands such as languages, traditions and laws. Information is currently available in English, Fijian, Indonesian, Filipino, and French, with additional languages to be added in the future.

Eve Hayden from the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce highlighted how the new Hub would benefit employers and workers alike,” The Cook Islands has separate government agencies responsible for immigration and labour. It is quite difficult for both workers and employers to know where to get information about legislation, policies, and any assistance. This website puts everything in one place and includes important information about how to smoothly transition into living and working in the Cook Islands. Employers can share the website with their workers who can read in their native language their obligations and set realistic expectations for their employment, and employers can quickly refer to the website to check their own obligations with respect to employment of migrant workers.”

Martin Wandera, Director of the ILO Office for the Pacific Islands highlighted how the Hub was an important step that would help strengthen labour mobility. “For the ILO, this initiative reflects our broader commitment to promoting fair recruitment, protecting migrant workers’ rights and building inclusive labour markets across the Pacific,” he said.