Over 8,300 Solomon Islanders have to date worked in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, and this year looks set to be another successful year.
Sixty-two PALM workers attended the first pre-departure briefing for 2025 last week.
The group included 37 new participants and 25 returned workers, who were looking forward to the experience and economic benefits of working in Australia.
Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Schloeffel, congratulated the workers on being selected by Australian employers to join the PALM scheme.
“Jobs are at the heart of the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership, and we know that job creation is vital for Solomon Islands’ economic growth,” acting High Commissioner Schloeffel said.
“The PALM scheme has provided thousands of opportunities for Solomon Islanders to work across various sectors within Australia.”
“Solomon Islanders are not only bringing back new skills and ideas when they return home, they are also sending home increasing amounts of money that helps their families with school fees, building a home, or starting a business, with the benefits being felt by the broader community.”
Approved Australian employers recruit workers from Solomon Islands for short term and long-term positions across agriculture, horticulture, aged care and meat processing sectors.
Solomon Islands’ workers have developed a positive reputation among employers in Australia, which is contributing to the continued success of the PALM scheme for Solomon Islands.
Prior to theirdeparture, PALM workers are briefed on various topics including immigration and customs, legal matters, worker welfare, workplace health and safety, access to healthcare, budgeting, Australian culture and geography, and insights into the areas of Australia where workers will be located.
“The pre-departure briefing process is crucial to help prepare our workers for the journey they’re about to embark on,” said Labour Mobility Unit Director Christina Maoma Marau.
“Educating the workers about what they can expect with regards to the Australian working environment as well as Australian culture helps to ensure an easier transition for each individual”.
Returned workers also participate in the briefing process, to share their experiences and stories with newcomers to the program.
Returning worker Muriel Ramoifai said: “For us returning workers it’s a good refresher to reset our minds and set our goals before we go back to work.”
The Australian Government works in close partnership with the Solomon Islands Government to create jobs for Solomon Islanders, including through the PALM scheme.
- AHC
