The government's seasonal work policy has been approved by the Cabinet and is now the subject of the Ministry of Finance and recruiters' discussions before its official implementation in July 2024.

This was confirmed by the Associate Minister of Finance, Magele Sekali Fiaui who declared the meeting at the TAATTE Building on Thursday open while also stressing the significance of the meeting in terms of the seasonal work schemes programme going forward.

He said after the discussions on the new policy are completed and prior to its form implementation by the government, it will be presented to each district committee and overseas partner.

"To be clear for your information, in carrying out your role as well as ours as the government, we present the current policy and deliver it for your perspectives and views to enhance and improve the implementation that is needed for this significant programme for the betterment of our families, villages and nation," said Magele. 

This is the first-ever discussion and meeting held on a policy that focuses on seasonal work schemes, according to Magele.

"The importance and impact this programme has had on families and communities is undeniable, especially the opportunities for our children to expand their knowledge in different seasonal works in overseas countries like New Zealand and Australia.

"However, any development that thrives comes with challenges and that's also what the government thinks and we have seen these challenges and lapses in carrying out the program and many other challenges that keep arising. In fact, that's why we are here this morning [Thursday morning].

"The Cabinet and the government have decided to make a proper plan to resolve some of these issues we have seen by putting together these policies or a formal booklet for seasonal works.

"These policy-makings are to lead towards a good implementation of seasonal work opportunities for our people heading overseas (for seasonal work)."

Meanwhile, some of the challenges that are targeted in the new policy include ending the domestic labour market and skills drain and population loss; social and cultural impact of the schemes especially in communities with a high concentration of mobilised residents; worker welfare and well-being which is the increase in reported violation of labour and human rights by approved employers and labour-hire companies; and oversight and transparency - the narrow base of beneficiaries and unchecked recruitment and selection process.

According to Magele, this is the first part of the initiative which is present and discusses the policy and thus the policy will be handed out to the district committees and partners in New Zealand and Australia for necessary additions with the agreement for the betterment of Samoan workers.