Solomon Islands Seeks to Expand Australia Labour Mobility Partnership
Solomon Islands is seeking to strengthen its labour mobility partnership with Australia through the PALM Scheme, with a focus on overseas employment, skills development and lasting benefits for workers, families and employers in both countries.
The Solomon Islands Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding labour mobility cooperation with Australia, highlighting opportunities to develop workers’ skills, support families and communities, and meet employers’ workforce needs under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela made the commitment at the opening reception of the PALM Scheme Approved Employer Expo at Coral Sea Resort and Casino in Honiara, where he welcomed Australian Approved Employers and Australian Government representatives.
Houenipwela highlighted the role of labour mobility in creating employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders, enabling workers to gain valuable skills and experience overseas, and generating benefits for families and communities back home.
He also emphasised the scheme’s mutual benefits, noting that it provides Australian employers with committed and capable workers while opening pathways for Solomon Islanders to gain international work experience.
The minister encouraged participating employers to use the expo to better understand how Solomon Islands workers are prepared for overseas employment, engage with local partners and hear directly from returning workers about their experiences.
He reaffirmed that the Solomon Islands Government remains committed to growing the PALM Scheme in a way that delivers lasting benefits for both countries.
The expo is being held under the theme, “Partnership in Growing the PALM Scheme in Solomon Islands.”
The PALM Scheme is a key part of Australia’s engagement with Pacific island countries, providing employment opportunities for workers in sectors facing labour shortages while supporting skills development, household incomes and economic links across the region. For Solomon Islands, strengthening the partnership offers a pathway to expand overseas employment opportunities while deepening cooperation with Australia.
