Why more and more Samoans are looking for work overseas

By Aruna Lolani 12 August 2017, 12:00AM

More and more Samoans are looking overseas for work opportunities.

This perhaps explains why so many Samoans enter in the draw for the opportunity to make New Zealand their permanent home.

Tusiona Leilua of Satapuala and Sagone Savaii can understand this.

A seasonal worker, he has travelled out of the country a couple of times.

“I’m a fruit picker in New Zealand and at the moment, I’m back for a break,” he tells the Village Voice.

“I’ve been working for six months as a fruit picker and I will be back at it in November so I’m just currently doing some part time work at the Faleolo Solar Power.”

According to the 45-year-old, his work experience outside of Samoa has broadened his understanding of the difference between working locally and overseas.

“There’s a difference with a lot of things, especially with the salary. For example, my pay for one day in New Zealand is the pay for one week here in Samoa.

“It has lifted a heavy load off my chest because I can afford some of the things that I couldn’t before for my family. It’s more than enough to cover everything.

“I have realized that this is the only way for some of us to deal with the high cost of living.

“I believe if you have the will to work, you also have the courage to take a risk.

“And I have become so used to working that I decided to make use of my break by working at the Solar power.

“I also have a plantation and I help out my wife’s family with looking after their cattle farm.

“You know, a lot of people are still wondering about a way to deal with the cost of living easily and my answer is; just work and look for work opportunities not only in our country but in other countries as well.”

By Aruna Lolani 12 August 2017, 12:00AM

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