The Acting Prime Minister has expressed concerns at Australia offering 3,000 visas for Pacific migrants, saying it will further drain Samoa's already strained labour workforce.

Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio told Parliament this week the new Government of Australia made the announcement without even consulting the Samoan Government. 

He raised the matter during the first Supplementary Budget debate currently before the House, saying the scheme will hurt the Samoan labour workforce and lead to the loss of more skilled workers and their families to Australia permanently. 

 “You can’t compare New Zealand to Australia, since the election of the new Government in Australia they offering 3,000 places for Samoan people for a year to work there,” he said. 

“There has been no communications with our Government on this. They will start by taking our workers for three years and I believe they will not return. 

"They will take our workers in tourism industry, hospitality, teachers and police officers and will take our matai and people serving the village.” 

Tuala said the new programme is not good for the country and Cabinet has to stand firm and ensure it is properly prepared to deal with any fallout. 

He was also critical of the recognised seasonal employment scheme in New Zealand and the vetting process that has drained the country’s labour force to overseas. 

While the benefits of a visa program to the development of families is noticeable, the Acting Prime Minister said money is important, but more measures should be in place. 

Last October Australia announced that up to 3,000 visas will be allocated annually through a ballot process across Pacific countries and Timor‑Leste. Those selected from the ballot will be invited to apply for permanent residence. The new Pacific Engagement visa (PEV) will start in July to boost permanent Pacific migration to Australia. 

Building a stronger Pacific family and recognising the role that Pacific Islanders have played in shaping Australian culture and society is the drive behind the program. 

The PEV will enhance the links between Australia and the Pacific by providing increased opportunities for permanent migration, employment, education, and training. 

It is envisaged that the program will benefit participating countries through increased remittances, opportunities for skills and knowledge transfer, the provision of a new migration pathway, and enhanced people-to-people links.

 Discussions revealed that the PEV will be broadly modelled on New Zealand’s Pacific Access Category (PAC) Resident visa which has been available since 2002. It will likely be a ballot-style application process, providing fair and equitable access to residency in Australia.