She added that Australia is prepared to take on more Ni-Vanuatu workers in the New Year onward.
“There are currently approximately 3,000 ni-Vanuatu seasonal workers in Australia.
“Since Vanuatu joined the [Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labor Scheme] with Mango Pilot, over 300 workers have travelled to Australia.
“In the next week, we are anticipating more than 800 workers will travel to Australia,” High Commissioner Sarah deZoeten announced at an event in Port Vila.
She assured Deputy Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau, responsible for labor matters, and Minister for Infrastructure and Public Utilities Jay Ngwele that Australia stands with Vanuatu at local level to help advance the economy for parents and children through projects that will continue to generate economy as the doors continue to open up for more workers from Vanuatu into the Australian labor markets in 2021 and ahead.
In response, the deputy prime minister and minister responsible for labor matters, Ishmael Kalsakau, expressed the Vanuatu government’s appreciation to Australia’s commitment and assistance to the people of Vanuatu through the Seasonal Workers Program and Pacific Labor Scheme Employment opportunities opening up for Ni-Vanuatu workers in Australia
