Australia could seen be trialling its own Pacific migrant scheme similar to New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.
A trial migration scheme aimed at easing labour shortages in Australia could be underway if a federal cabinet gives it the green light.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's Pacific plan could see up to 5,000 islanders granted special work visas to come Down Under and work on farms and in vineyards, Australian news sources report.
The plan, to be considered by cabinet on June 19, would bring workers from Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati and Tuvalu, however, Fiji will not be a part of the trial.
Under the scheme, the workers would be granted visas of up to seven months to work in regional communities, where they would receive Australian award wages and conditions before returning to their home countries with greater skills.
Union groups have endorsed the Regional Seasonal Employment scheme, which has already been successfully trialled in New Zealand.
