Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme
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Following an announcement on 17 August 2008 by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry the Hon Tony Burke, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) are undertaking widespread consultation with stakeholders to assist in the development of the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme.
About the scheme
The Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme will initially be limited to the horticulture industry and will be available to citizens of the following countries:
- Kiribati
- Papua New Guinea
- Tonga
- Vanuatu.
The Australian Government is conducting the pilot to examine whether a seasonal worker program could contribute to Australia’s Pacific region economic development objectives and also assist Australian employers.
The pilot aims to:
- enable workers to contribute to economic development in home countries through employment experience, remittances, and training gained as part of the pilot.
- examine the benefits to the Australian economy and to employers who can demonstrate they cannot source local labour.
Under the pilot scheme workers will:
- be allowed to work in Australia for seven months in any twelve months
- be permitted multiple entries to Australia during this period
- be able to return to work in future years, if they comply with visa conditions
- need to maintain private health insurance during their stay
- not be permitted to apply for another visa while in Australia
- need to pay for half their international travel, living expenses, and other incidentals
- be limited to working with approved employers
- not be able to bring dependents with them.
What can I do now?
The department is currently not accepting applications or registrations for the pilot scheme. No decisions have been made about Australian regions or employers who will participate in the scheme.
The department wishes to advise people who want to take part in the scheme to avoid entering into any agreements, or outlaying any money to recruitment agents or individuals, at this stage.
Information on the approved recruitment arrangements and applying for the pilot scheme will be available as soon as consultations with stakeholders have been finalised.
More information
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) will administer the program and act as lead agency. More information on the scheme can be found on their website.
See: Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme
For general enquiries on the scheme please contact DEEWR.
Email: seasonalworkers@deewr.gov.au
If you would like to be advised when this website is updated, please contact us.
Email: Labour.Mobility@immi.gov.au