Vanuatu’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, has called for the safe return of over 2,000 nationals who have disengaged from Australian labour mobility programmes.
This call was made during a press conference this week, following Napuat’s recent trip to Australia, where he met with officials responsible for managing labour mobility programmes and employment relations.
Napuat’s visit focused on informing Australian authorities about Vanuatu’s newly launched Labour Mobility Policy, which outlines the country’s approach to labour mobility agreements with Australia. During discussions, Minister Napuat requested Australia’s cooperation in ensuring that workers who leave their jobs under the programme do not receive protection visas. Instead, he wants these workers to receive support to return home.
“I emphasised that if a worker leaves the programme, Australia should not grant them a protection visa. Instead, they should contact us so we can help bring them back to Vanuatu,” he said.
According to Australian records, as stated by the Minister, approximately 2,000 Vanuatu nationals have disengaged from the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme since 2019. Some may have returned voluntarily or been deported, potentially reducing the actual figure, but Napuat noted that the official number remains high.
“If the statistics for those in Australia are accurate, then this is a very large number for our families and workers who are going around in Australia,” he said.
Napuat’s primary concern is the welfare and security of these workers, many of whom are believed to be living outside the programme’s oversight. Without the protections afforded by the labour mobility framework, these workers face increased risks.
“There is no sense of security in their lives and welfare when they are roaming around in Australia, and if they encounter any issues, it becomes difficult to assist them,” Napuat explained.
He added that disengaged workers who may face social or legal issues are outside the reach of authorities, making it nearly impossible to provide necessary support in emergencies.
The Minister encouraged both disengaged workers in Australia and their family members in Vanuatu to approach Vanuatu’s representatives to arrange a safe return.
“I want to encourage those who have disengaged to make their way to the Consul General in Sydney or the High Commissioner. Families in Vanuatu with relatives in Australia who are disengaged can also contact our Labour Office here in Port Vila,” he added.
Napuat emphasised that Vanuatu’s High Commission in Canberra and the Consul General’s office in Sydney are prepared to assist workers who are ready to return home.
“If workers are uncomfortable visiting these offices directly, they can communicate through their families back home or reach out to the Labour Office in Port Vila,” he advised, noting that officials are committed to guiding families through the steps needed to bring their loved ones back to Vanuatu safely.
This appeal aligns with Vanuatu’s broader goal to maintain an organised and transparent labour mobility system, ensuring that citizens participating in the programmes can fully benefit from employment opportunities while adhering to Vanuatu’s policies.
“It is critical to manage the program effectively. By helping disengaged workers return, we can resolve issues around unauthorised movements and improve oversight within the program,” the Minister said.
“Those who have disengaged should take this opportunity to reach out, respect the authorities, and make the right choice to return home.” He added that further discussions would be held with Australian authorities to explore additional measures to handle disengagement cases effectively, encouraging a system that protects both workers and the integrity of Vanuatu’s labour mobility programmes.