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Pacific labor mobility, migration and remittances in times of COVID-19: interim report

This report is part of a broader analytical work program on labor mobility in the Pacific that the World Bank has b ... Show more
This report is part of a broader analytical work program on labor mobility in the Pacific that the World Bank has been undertaking with financial support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The [Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 crisis is likely to severely impact labor mobility and diaspora groups from the Pacific, with consequent reductions in the value of remittances. Many Pacific workers find employment in Australia under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), and in New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme. They engage primarily in low-skilled jobs in the agriculture sector under short-term contracts of 6-11 months. As a result of COVID-19, new arrivals under such schemes have largely ceased. Pacific Islanders who are working in Australia and New Zealand under longer-term visas, including those under the semi-skilled PLS, also face higher unemployment risk as host economies are affected by the pandemic. COVID-19 is therefore likely to result in income loss amongst migrant workers due to reduced work hours, loss of employment, and even potential infection. Border restrictions will also prevent travel by new workers and will increase costs incurred by workers to comply with COVID-19-related rules, such as mandatory quarantine. This briefing note presents interim findings on the impacts of COVID-19 on Pacific migrant workers and the Pacific diaspora, discussing likely implications for resulting remittances to Pacific Island countries.
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Authors: Doan, Dung; Dornan, Matthew; Parsons, Kenia; Petrou, Kirstie ... [+] Show more

Date: 2020

Geographic subjects: Australia; New Zealand; Oceania ... [+] Show more

Resource type: Report, paper or authored book

Subjects: Migration; Labour market; Employment ... [+] Show more

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Pacific labor mobility, migration and remittances in times of COVID-19: interim report