PNG Labour Scheme Opens Doors for Overseas Employment After PALM Expo

 Papua New Guinea is seeing growing interest from Australian employers seeking workers through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme following a recent recruitment and training tour in two provinces.

PNG Labour Scheme Opens Doors for Overseas Employment After PALM Expo/Photo by Australian High Commission PNG

Australian businesses visited East New Britain and East Sepik to meet training providers, recruitment hubs and government representatives as part of efforts to increase the number of Papua New Guineans employed in Australia.

A total of 27 employers took part in the visit organised by the Australian High Commission, which aimed to strengthen cooperation between employers and local institutions preparing workers for overseas placements.

During the Kokopo visit, employers observed practical training activities and community support programmes designed to equip workers with the skills required for jobs in Australia.

In Wewak, the delegation inspected facilities at the East Sepik Recruitment Hub and met representatives from Friends in Action and Divine Word University, where various workforce preparation programmes are being carried out.

Skills development in trades, forklift driving and healthcare continues to play a major role in preparing workers for employment abroad. Authorities say healthcare training for nursing students is also increasing as overseas demand grows.

Officials involved in labour mobility programmes say many Papua New Guineans returning from Australia are now using their earnings and work experience to establish small businesses and support their families.

Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald described the labour mobility programme as beneficial to both nations.

“Labour mobility is, at its core, a partnership,” he said.

“It supports Australia’s workforce needs in remote and regional areas, while creating life changing opportunities for Papua New Guineans, benefiting not only workers but their families and communities.”