Pacific seasonal workers undertake a range of horticulture related work such as harvesting fruit, vegetables and nuts, pruning trees and vines, thinning, planting, and working in on-farm packing sheds.

Pacific seasonal workers are recruited from Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga or Vanuatu to work with horticultural enterprises in Australia who cannot find enough local labour to meet their seasonal harvest needs. Approved Employers can choose to recruit Pacific seasonal workers for a minimum of six months, five months or four months, and are employed under the same conditions and receive the same pay as Australian workers.

Importantly, Pacific seasonal workers contribute to the economic development of participating  countries through skills and remittances.

To read about the backgrounds and experiences of some of the Pacific seasonal workers who have worked in Australia, you can visit Meet a Pacific seasonal worker.

Applying to become a Pacific seasonal worker

Citizens of the four participating countries can apply to participate in the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme (the Pilot) by enquiring with the appropriate In-Country contact.

To be considered eligible to participate in the Pilot, citizens of participating countries must satisfy eligibility criteria. The worker must:

• Be of good character (applicants will undergo a police record check),
• be healthy and fit for the work specified (inclusive of chest x-ray assessment),
• be aged between 21 and 45 at the time of visa application,
• be citizens of the participating country and in the participating country at the time of visa application,
• have a genuine intention to enter Australia for seasonal work and return to the participating country after their employment ceases, and
• not have participated in the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (NZ RSE) scheme.

Those who are selected to be Pacific seasonal workers are also expected to comply by their visa conditions at all times, and respect Australian law and customs.

Support for Pacific seasonal workers

Pacific seasonal workers receive a pre-departure briefing before leaving their home country, as well as an on-arrival briefing when they reach Australia. These briefings will prepare workers for what to expect about living and working in Australia. Information about work culture, Australian law, climate and culture, amongst other things are discussed.

Pacific seasonal workers have access to ongoing support throughout their stay in Australia. Approved Employers ensure workers have accommodation, transport, and access to community facilities and events. It is important that Pacific seasonal workers are treated equitably and fairly, with full access to the work rights of Australian workers. Worker’s pay, conditions and wellbeing are monitored by the Australian Government to ensure this.

How do Pacific seasonal workers help their families and communities?

In addition to examining the benefits of the Pilot to the Australian horticulture industry, the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme is being conducted to examine whether a seasonal worker program can contribute to the economic development of participating countries through workers' experiences, remittances and training.

More information about remittances can be found at Remittances.