Public reaction is mixed after the government announced a cap on the number of seasonal workers allowed to travel overseas for employment under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) and other labour mobility schemes.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt said the cap aims to address labour shortages at home and ensure essential services are not affected by the outflow of workers.

However, some workers say the decision will directly impact families who rely on remittances. Seasonal worker Tuiasoani Fepulea’i, who has worked in New Zealand for three consecutive seasons, said the cap brings uncertainty.

“Working overseas helped me build our family home and pay school fees,” he said. “If there is a limit now, many of us may not get the chance again. It will affect our income and our children’s future.”

An engineer, Mikaele Taito, supports the move, saying the country has been losing skilled and semi-skilled workers. “We are struggling to complete projects on time because many young and able-bodied men choose seasonal work instead,” he said. “A cap may help balance the workforce and strengthen development here in Samoa.”

Meanwhile, secondary school teacher Sina Vaa expressed concern about the social impact. “In recent years, we have seen students left with grandparents while parents go overseas,” she said. “While remittances help financially, the absence of parents affects children emotionally and academically. The government must ensure there are local job opportunities if they are limiting overseas work.”

The government has yet to confirm how many workers will be affected under the new cap, but discussions with stakeholders are expected in the coming weeks.