The Australian Government is conducting the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme to examine:
- Whether a seasonal worker program could contribute to economic development in Pacific countries through seasonal workers’ employment experience, remittances and training; and
- The benefits to growers in the Australian horticultural industry who demonstrate they cannot source local labour.
The Pilot is similar to a scheme operating in New Zealand (the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme or RSE).
Up to 2500 visas will be granted over three years providing Pacific seasonal workers with the opportunity to work in the Australian horticultural industry for up to 7 months (and at least 6 months) in every 12 month period, in areas of regional Australia where there is demonstrated unmet demand for labour.
The Pilot aims to enable workers to contribute to economic development in home countries through employment experience, remittances and training gained as part of the Pilot.