Report Finds Labour Migration Putting Pressure on Local Businesses

Apia, SAMOA – 03 July 2026 – Despite the benefits Samoa gets from labour mobility through overseas employment opportunities, remittances and worker experience, domestic businesses are also facing increasing pressure.

This is one of the major findings of the Labour Migration Survey Report 2025/2026 launched by the Chamber of Commerce last week.

The report highlights the need to balance these benefits with stronger local workforce development, employer support, improved workforce data systems, return-worker reintegration and the productive use of remittances.

The report is based on 408 valid business responses collected from July 2025 to April 2026. It provides an evidence-based assessment of how labour migration and labour mobility pathways are affecting Samoa’s private sector through workforce departures, skills shortages, staff retention costs, replacement challenges and productivity impacts.

Key findings from the report show:

• Labour mobility-related workforce departures are substantial but uneven across sector.

• Retail/Wholesale, Hospitality/Tourism and Manufacturing recorded the highest numbers of affected businesses.

• While skilled and semi-skilled workers were the most affected role categories.

• Businesses also reported rising wage and incentive costs, productivity pressures and challenges in replacing experienced worker.

The report identifies priority action areas including the establishment of a private sector workforce data and HR reporting system, sector-specific workforce plans, practical skills development, employer retention support, return-migrant reintegration, remittance investment pathways, improved access to Government and donor support, and productivity-enhancing technology and automation.

Guests and members at the Labour Migration Report launch by the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and the Australian Market Development Facility at Le Manumea Hotel on Monday 29 June 2026.

The launch brought together invited guests from the diplomatic corps, development partners, Government representatives, members of the private sector and key national stakeholders for an evening of dialogue, networking and reflection on the impact of labour migration and labour mobility on Samoa’s workforce and business community.

His Excellency Will Robinson, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa acknowledged the importance of evidence-based policy dialogue and continued partnership in supporting Samoa’s private sector and labour market resilience.

“From Australia’s perspective, we recognize that labour mobility pathways – such as the PALM scheme and the Pacific Engagement Visa – can present a dual reality of both benefits and challenges to participating countries. Australia remains committed to supporting Samoa to get this balance right and we are committed to listening to you and tailoring our migration pathways in response,” said Robinson.

SCCI President Fa’asootauloa Sam Saili also acknowledged the support of the Government of Australia through MDF and recognised the contribution of key national partners including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, the Samoa Bureau of Statistics and the Labour and Employment Export Programme.

“Labour mobility is an important part of Samoa’s development story, but it must be supported by stronger domestic workforce planning and private sector resilience,” said Fa’asootauloa.

“This report does not seek to question the value of labour mobility. Rather, it calls for a more balanced and coordinated approach that supports workers, families, employers and Samoa’s wider economy.”

SCCI Chief Executive Officer John Lemoa said the report provides a practical evidence base to support future dialogue between the private sector, Government and development partners.

“The value of this report is that it captures the voice of businesses directly. It helps us move from general concern to practical action. The findings will guide SCCI’s advocacy, sector planning and support services for members and the wider private sector,” he said.

SCCI sincerely thanks the businesses that participated in the survey and contributed their time, data and experiences. Their input has helped build an important evidence base to support policy dialogue, workforce planning and coordinated action.

The full report is available online at: https://samoachamber.ws/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Labour-Migration-Survey-Report-final.pdf