Pacific leaders push for fair and safe labour mobility in Nadi talks

Senior labour officials from across the Pacific have gathered in Nadi this week to strengthen protections for Pacific workers accessing employment opportunities abroad, as labour mobility schemes continue to expand across the region.

Hosted by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, the Senior Labour Officials Meeting is being held under the theme “Designing our Destiny: A Just and Resilient Future of Work for the Blue Pacific.”

The meeting brings together government representatives, employers, workers’ organisations and development partners to address key labour challenges facing Pacific nations.

Opening the meeting at the Tanoa International Hotel, permanent secretary for Employment Jone Maritino Nemani said the discussions were timely, as increasing numbers of Pacific Islanders seek overseas employment through formal labour mobility pathways.

"“This meeting is timely as it comes at a critical moment for our region as Pacific Island countries continue to face a range of interconnected challenges, including the impacts of climate change, economic recovery pressures, demographic transitions, informality in employment, skills shortages, technological revolutions and the growing need for stronger social protection systems,” Mr Nemani said.

Mr Nemani stressed the importance of ensuring these opportunities remain safe, fair and rights-based, while also delivering long-term benefits to sending countries.

“With labour mobility continuing to grow, it is critical that we strengthen labour governance and ensure our workers are protected, valued and supported, whether they are working at home or abroad,” he said.

Discussions this week are expected to focus on improving labour standards, worker welfare, and cooperation between Pacific sending countries and destination markets, particularly Australia and New Zealand.

The meeting includes representatives from regional unions, private sector organisations, the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), and other regional and international partners.