“It is not the same as indentured labor or black birding. This is a conscious government-to-government-sponsored scheme where individuals and the host entities would be fully aware and enter into an arrangement,” Abal said.
He said the PNG government is appreciative of Australia’s inclusion of Papua New Guineans in the pilot workers’ scheme.
Abal especially thanked Australia’s private sector and the horticulture industry and other civil groups that supported the formal acceptance of PNG workers.
Abal said because of the sensitivity of the pilot scheme at this stage, Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has directed Foreign Affairs to take initial charge of the scheme and farm it out to other agencies, including private sector players.
He told Papua New Guineans that no agents have been approved to implement the strategy.
Abal said no person or entity has been authorized to collect fees for seasonal work placements. He also urged interested groups and entities not to confuse the public.
A ministerial meeting will appoint an inter-departmental taskforce to set up the structure and guidelines for the scheme.
The Papua New Guinea’s government said it’s also close to securing an agreement with Australia to introduce a Work-Holiday scheme for PNG University students, according to Radio Australia
Abal said the arrangement will help students develop useful networks after their graduation.
The university work/holiday scheme follows an Australian announcement of a Seasonal Worker Pilot scheme that will take workers from Pacific Island countries including PNG.
Abal did not describe the type of work be available for university students.
