The Impact of the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme on Children left behind in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu: An Initial Study

The Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme, the Seasonal Workers programme and the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility scheme have attracted a large number of Pacific workers to New Zealand and Australia over the last decade. While much is known about the economic benefits of these programmes, less is known about the social and economic costs, including the impacts on children. There are 10 Pacific countries that take part in these labour mobility schemes. This study focused on four Pacific countries, to initiate the exploration of issues impacting communities, families and, more specifically, children who remain in the Pacific while their caregivers work abroad. The findings and recommendations will inform UNICEF planning and programming to mitigate the risks of labour mobility and ensure that the children left behind have access to the protection and services they need. The findings are also intended to provide an evidence base for social protection action plans and policies.