BY BEN BILUA
Pacific leaders are preparing to endorse the Pacific Regional Labor Mobility Principles – a new framework that aims to protect the rights and wellbeing of seasonal workers across the region.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Team Leader of Trade, Natalia Patternot, told journalists on Saturday, September 6, 2025 that the initiative marks a critical step forward in safeguarding Pacific islanders engaged in overseas labour programs.
“Now, as we all know, labour mobility—our Pacific people—they are not commodities. So there lies the critical development of these principles.
“It’s to ensure that labour mobility continues to contribute to meaningful and sustainable economic development, social protection, as well as regional cooperation,” she said.
Patternot explained that the principles are designed as a collective approach, agreed upon by leaders, to improve conditions and experiences for Pacific workers.
She highlighted how labour mobility in the Pacific has evolved over the years—from unskilled seasonal work to opportunities in semi-skilled and certified sectors such as meat processing and aged care.
Patternot also highlighted that employment terms have also shifted from a few months to medium-term contracts lasting up to four years.
She expressed that some countries in the Pacific are now shifting from being the sending countries to being the receiving countries.
“The conversation on labour mobility has evolved quite significantly over the past decade. It’s an important opportunity, but with opportunity also comes challenges.
“Those challenges include risks of discrimination, exploitation, forced labour, and unfair recruitment practices,” she said.
Patternot said the principles are grounded in Pacific values and provide a foundation for stronger worker protections.
The final decision, however, now rests with Forum leaders.
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