FOR a nation surrounded by the sea, employment options cannot exist solely on land.
Since regaining independence in 1979, Tuvalu has placed an emphasis on its maritime training institute at Amatuku, to produce skilled workers for merchant fleets in the Pacific and around the world.
With a population of under 10,000, Tuvalu is one of the world’s smallest nations yet it contributes more than 400 sailors to international maritime fleets. These sailors serve on deck, in engine rooms and as senior officers.
Recognising its reliance on external employment and the threat of climate change to the economy, Tuvalu created a National Migration Policy designed to harness its resources as a seafaring nation to the needs of the world.
“As a seafaring nation, our people are familiar with the benefits and challenges of working abroad – deriving remittances and new skills, but also coping with the challenges associated with being away from family and the community,’’ the Tuvalu National Labour Plan pointed out.
‘’With the difficulties of creating sufficient work opportunities on our small islands, labour migration is a central plank in the government’s employment agenda. The importance of labour migration as an option for our people is likely to increase further still as climate change continues to batter at our shores and wreak havoc on rain patterns, groundwater and oceans, impacting on subsistence agriculture and other livelihoods options.’’
Reverend Ulafale Vaitusi sailed the seven seas before becoming a pastor in the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu (Tuvalu Christian Church). He studies at the Pacific Theological College and has written on Tuvalu’s labour mobility.
“We were at one stage reliant on incomes from our sailors,’’ Vaitusi said.
“Now, our people are moving into other areas such as fruit picking and meat packing in order to make an income and provide opportunities for younger Tuvaluans. We have to address the reality of climate change, limited space and lack of employment.’’
Vaitusi has researched Australia’s Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme from a Tuvaluan perspective.
His research—expected to be published in early 2025—points to the need for Pacific people to live in dignity overseas and create sustainable opportunities for families. But Vaitusi warns that Tuvaluans and Pacific Islanders working abroad often need pastoral support and guidance.
“Our church is working with the Uniting Church in Australia to see that the Tuvalu community living offshore receives the support it needs to begin a new life in a foreign land,’’ he said.
“Labour mobility is important for Pacific nations and people. But spirituality and internal fortitude is equally important when making a new life with a different culture, new values and lifestyles.
“So, it’s important that the church takes a role and that this role is supported by the government.’’
For now, Tuvalu will press ahead with its national policy which aims to safeguard its people and their livelihood. That will mean providing an education which allows Tuvalu’s workforce to enter the global market.
“The National Labour Migration Policy ties together our plans for educating our population, with a better understanding of what opportunities exist abroad helps to ensure that we have a cohesive plan for how to create work for our people,’’ Tuvalu’s guiding document states.
“We can also help to ensure growing and engaged diaspora communities in other countries, which can participate in integrating future migrants into different countries and contribute to development back in Tuvalu.’’
