Pacific RegionPacific workers’ complaints put labour mobility protections under scrutinyWorkers in Australia and New Zealand have raised concerns about sexual harassment, restrictive living conditions and employer accountability, putting the spotlight on how Pacific employees are protected.Renate RiversWed, 26 Aug
ImmigrationPacific worker boom plan shelved as New Zealand government keeps RSE cap in placeImmigration Minister Erica Stanford pushed to remove annual limits on Pacific seasonal workers, arguing it would cut red tape and boost remittances, but the proposal did not get Cabinet approval.Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalistThu, 06 Aug
Politics • SāmoaLaauli pushes for better worker pathways as Luxon calls Sāmoa a trusted Pacific partnerSāmoa's Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa has used his first official visit to New Zealand to push for stronger labour mobility, trade links and a modernised relationship between the two countries.PMN NewsThu, 23 Jul
Pacific Region • SāmoaNew survey exposes Sāmoa's labour gap as businesses lose skilled workers, youth miss out Nearly half of businesses surveyed have lost staff and employers say they still cannot fill skilled jobs despite thousands of young Sāmoans remaining outside work, education or training.Renate RiversMon, 06 Jul
Pacific Region • VanuatuWhy has Vanuatu been dropped from the Pacific visa scheme?Ni-Vanuatu are no longer eligible for Australia's Pacific Engagement Visa ballot, with no public explanation from either Canberra or Port Vila.Christine RovoiWed, 24 Jun
Immigration • AustraliaAustralia's govt warns seasonal workers who leave PALM scheme lose all protectionsOfficials say Pasifika who disengage from the programme can become vulnerable to hardship and exploitation amid concerns over former workers reportedly living rough in Sydney.Christine RovoiWed, 10 Jun
Pacific Region • Fiji • AustraliaEx-seasonal workers found living rough under Sydney bridge sparks welfare concernA video showing men, some believed to be former PALM workers living under an overpass has triggered an investigation, renewing questions about worker welfare and support systems in Australia.Christine RovoiWed, 03 Jun
PoliticsPacific workers among most vulnerable as modern slavery bill advances - advocatesThere are fears Pacific workers may be the most vulnerable to abuse as Parliament considers modern slavery legislation.Khalia StrongFri, 22 May
Immigration • FijiPacific labour system under pressure as deaths, migration and worker shortages growAs families mourn workers lost overseas, the region faces a growing crisis at home - thousands leave for jobs in NZ and Australia and Fiji is forced to import labour just to keep key industries running.Christine RovoiTue, 12 May
BusinessEmployers urged to take Pasifika values seriously at work A court ruling has found that Pacific values must be taken into account when they are part of employment agreements. Khalia StrongTue, 28 Apr