The Labour Employment Export Program (L.E.E.P), now operating under the Ministry of Finance, celebrated the grand opening of its new office on Friday. 

The event marked a significant milestone for the program had a diverse crowd of government officials, diplomatic representatives, private sector stakeholders, and community members in attendance.

Minister of Finance Lautimuia Uelese Va'ai reflected on the journey of L.E.E.P. The program was initially launched in 2011 under the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as the Seasonal Employment Unit. 

It was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour in 2017. Following a cabinet reshuffle in October 2023, L.E.E.P. found its new home within the Ministry of Finance’s portfolio.

Lautimuia emphasised that the relocation of L.E.E.P. to a separate facility underscores the government's dedication to enhancing public accessibility to its services. 

"The set-up is similar to another special unit of the Ministry of Finance, the Civil Society Support Program (C.S.S.P.), which is also located outside the Ministry for ease of public access, on the ground floor in this (S.N.P.F.) Building. The L.E.E.P. Office consists of the office space on level 1 here and a conference room facility on level 2 (shared with C.S.S.P," he said,

He highlighted recent structural changes to L.E.E.P. as outlined in the First Supplementary Budget for 2023/24. 

The revamped structure includes the transition of Country Liaison Officers, now overseen and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with direct supervision by Consul Generals in Sydney and Auckland. Core staff, funded under the Ministry of Finance, are led by an Assistant CEO, with additional local personnel supported by the Pacific Labor Facility and external experts.

Lautimuia also noted the government’s commitment to expanding the program by recruiting up to three Country Liaison Officers per country. 

This expansion aims to provide comprehensive coverage and support to Samoans abroad, addressing the increasing social issues faced by expatriates.

He also reminded the public that L.E.E.P. process has now been integrated with the District Councils (Fono Faavae) as a crucial component of the new selection procedure under the updated policy. 

"This integration aligns with the "Pathway for the Development of Samoa" (PDS), specifically under Key Strategic Outcome 2: Diversified and Sustainable Economy, with a focus on Key Priority Area 10: Increased Labour Mobility."

The Government, through the Temporary Labor Migration Policy is implementing measures to enhance Labour Mobility in a manner that benefits both the sending and receiving countries. This approach is designed to make a significant impact on the national economy and create opportunities for individuals, households, and communities.

Lautimuia expressed gratitude for the ongoing and significant support from the Australian and New Zealand Governments, including their technical and financial contributions to the Samoa L.E.E.P.