With demographic change in developed countries, the demand for skilled and unskilled migrant workers will continue to rise, particularly in horticulture, construction, health, domestic services, and hospitality sectors. Matching these needs with the supply of skilled and low-skilled labour will bring mutual benefits for sending and host countries. Pacific island people have traditionally moved within and between countries in the region to take up these opportunities. The benefits of such movement – remittances, skills transfer, and cross-border links – are important returns for Pacific island countries. Facilitating greater intra-regional labour migration represents an important opportunity for many workers and can help build Pacific regional integration.

To realise the benefits of labour mobility, both host and sending country governments need to work together to develop mutual beneficial labour mobility schemes. This requires careful policy development that is well integrated with country development plans. Sending country governments need to efficiently manage the movement of workers, find ways to harness the benefits of remittances, and ensure diaspora remain well connected with communities at home. Host country governments can assist by introducing temporary and circular migration schemes, thereby helping workers stay connected to family and encouraging workers and employers to build the skill base for work in future years.

Both host and sending country governments can cooperate to ensure remittances are sent cheaply and effectively, and that there is a ready supply of well-trained, work-ready labour with the skills to benefit from employment opportunities at home and abroad. To maximise benefits from migration opportunities, countries need to improve the availability and quality of education and training, so as to build the capacity of all—those who remain to work in their country of origin, as well as those who take up temporary employment elsewhere. Skills development is central to improving productivity, living standards and economic growth. With a high demand for technical and vocational skills both at home and abroad, investments in technical education have the potential to pay dividends to Pacific communities. Improving the skills base of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste to meet changing labour needs across the region requires long-term investment in both basic education and tertiary education and training.

A successful labour mobility program starts in the host country. Labour mobility may only succeed if driven by labour demand in the host country, so migrants are not perceived to be driving down wages or taking job opportunities from domestic workers. An effective program provides flexible working arrangements, involves consultation with all stakeholders, close supervision of recruitment procedures, clear admission criteria, and protection of all labour and associated social rights. Countries need to consider how social security and similar provisions can be transferred back to home countries simply and cost-effectively. They also need to determine how workers can improve their skill base through additional training and education.