Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme
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About the scheme
The Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme (PSWPS) was announced on 17 August 2008 by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry the Hon Tony Burke. The Australian Government is conducting the pilot to examine whether a seasonal worker program could contribute to Australia’s Pacific region economic development objectives and also assist Australian employers.
The Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme will initially be limited to the horticulture industry and will be available to citizens of the following countries:
- Kiribati
- Papua New Guinea
- Tonga
- Vanuatu.
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
- examine the benefits to the Australian economy and to employers who can demonstrate they cannot source local labour.
Under the pilot scheme workers are:
- allowed to work in Australia for seven months in any twelve months
- permitted multiple entries to Australia during this period
- able to return to work in future years, if they comply with visa conditions
- required to maintain private health insurance during their stay
- not permitted to apply for another visa while in Australia
- required to pay for half their international travel, living expenses, and other incidentals
- limited to working with approved employers
- not permitted to bring dependants with them.
How do I apply?
The Australian Government has established official arrangements with participating Pacific Island Governments for people seeking employment under this scheme. People interested in participating as a seasonal worker should first contact the relevant participating Pacific Island Country Governments. A list of contacts is available from the DEEWR website.
See: Labour Hire Companies
More information
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) will administer the program and act as lead agency. Further information on the scheme can be found on their website.
See: Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme
For general enquiries on the scheme please contact DEEWR.
Email: seasonalworker@deewr.gov.au
For general enquiries on visa requirements, please contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Email: Labour.Mobility@immi.gov.au