Seasonal Workers Scheme Suspended Temporarily

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 14 APRIL 2022: The Ministry of Labour has announced a temporary suspension of the Recognized Seasonal Workers Scheme for Australia and New Zealand.

The Acting CEO, Fepuleai Roger Toleafoa said in a public notice last night that all processing and preparation of travel of workers under the scheme have been suspended temporarily.

The suspension includes all who have been preparing to travel on flights scheduled for this month of April 2022.

The Government has indicated the need to review the whole scheme following the emergence of various problems including employment issues between Samoan workers and employers.

The Government also said that there is a need to review the scheme in view of the country’s overall labour needs when it was revealed that the scheme has drawn on much needed skills such as teachers.

The Ministry of Labour said that those who had been preparing to depart under the scheme will be notified soon and to contact the office for further clarification.

According to the Ministry at least 5,000 are currently employed under the scheme in New Zealand and Australia.