The Samoan government is looking to stop the current open recruitment process for seasonal workers to New Zealand as a means to alleviate the current brain drain concerns.
Radio New Zealand reports Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa made the announcement during an address to horticulture industry leaders in Hawke’s Bay, yesterday on 16 June 2022.
She told the group her government was looking to strengthen the scheme and not stop it, which was why there is a review into the recruitment process.
Fiame suggested having arrangements with villages or organizations may be the way to go.
She explained that when Samoan groups travel and they come from the same village, there is a greater level of success because there are built in controls and support systems.
Fiame also highlighted her government’s concerns around labor mobility which got support from Mr. Apple labor manager Alistair Jamieson, who have had the likes of teachers, police and even medical professionals from Samoa participating in the RSE Scheme.
She thanked New Zealand’s employers for supporting workers throughout COVID-19 and acknowledged the tough time Samoan RSE workers have had throughout the pandemic.
Photo: Radio New Zealand Pacific
