There should be a fair deal under the RSE Scheme, says DPM

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA -18 JANUARY 2023: The Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio told parliament that New Zealand and Australia are benefiting more from Samoan workers recruited under the Regional Seasonal Employment (RSE) Scheme.

He said more people are now investing in the program boosting these countries economy while Samoans under the program are not only being exploited but getting less out it.

“It comes down to a lack of solid policies and guidelines for the program, hence the Government’s decision to halt the program for a month while a review is carried out,” said Tuala.

“We care for our people’s wellbeing and how they are being exploited and not compensated well, “said Tuala.

Tuala believes the previous Government failed to put in place a policy and a monitoring system to keep track of developments and progress of the Samoan workers under the program abroad.

RSE Sub-Committee review ready
The RSE Sub-Committee appointed by Cabinet has completed its review of the program which will be tabled in Cabinet.

The emphasis of the Committee’s review was for them to prepare a solid foundation, policies and guidelines especially a monitoring system.

Whist the Government values its diplomatic relations with New Zealand and Australia, they want to ensure that both countries understand Samoa’s stance on the matter.

“The RSE scheme is a good program for all sides involved, but there should be equal opportunities and a fair deal between them all,” said Tuala.

MP for Safata 1 Leaana Ronnie Posini’s concern was that Australia & New Zealand companies will recruit people from other islands because the Government has halted the program.

“If they do, let them, but this Government will put in place proper policies to protect our workers before, not after,” said Tuala.

A group of RSE workers in prayer at Faleolo airport before departing for work in Australia.

Australia & New Zealand quicker response to RSE visas
When the new Australian Government took office last year, they announced that Samoans recruited under the Labor Mobility scheme can live and work in Australia for 3 years.

“They made the announcement without any consultation with the Samoan Government,” said Tuala.

Tuala said families, villages and districts are already dealing with the impact of losing people to the scheme and the announcement by the Australian Government is like a golden ticket to many.

The Minister for Health, Valasi Togamana Tafito said New Zealand and Australia are quick to approving visas for RSE workers than the public at large.

“They are quick to deal with RSE visas and take much longer for the public to apply online,” said Valasi.

He said Cabinet has realized this tactic and has to be countered and he also noted evidence of local agents charging people for $1000 or $1500 for visas.

“These issues are all part of the review and the Government is looking at a secure method to deal with these matters.” he said.

The former Minister in charge of the RSE program, Lautafi Selafi Purcell defended the previous Government saying that there were policies in place.

“If your government has amended those policies, then policies were in place. There is a difference between amending and no policies,” Lautafi argued.

The opposition deputy leader, Lauofo Pierre Lauofo also argued that there were policies and guidelines in place.

Tuala retorted that maybe there were policies “but your previous Government breached you own policies.”

Then he referred to the recruitment of RSE workers in June 2021 when the crowd broke down the doors and smashed the windows the EFKS Hall at Mulinu’u as they pushed their way in to get registered under the scheme.

The Speaker intervened and cut short the heated debate.

In the aftermath of the mad push to get registered for the RSE at the EFKS Hall in June 2021 that hospitalized ten people.