Australia and the UN’s migration agency IOM have unveiled a new initiative to boost support for migrant workers from the Pacific.

The program will focus on families who are part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which sees workers from Pacific islands come to Australia on temporary work visas.

Australia’s PALM scheme has been instrumental in filling essential labour shortages in the country while fostering strong regional connections.

IOM Director General Amy Pope and Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy recently announced the launch of the new initiative to enhance support for migrant workers and their families participating in the scheme.

The program “Family-Centred Assistance to PALM Workers” will be a three-year regional pilot that addresses the opportunities and challenges associated with labour migration, helping migrant workers who are filling important labour shortages in Australia integrate into the country, and then improve their transition when they return home.

“We applaud the government of Australia’s new initiative and look forward to working with them to create a more inclusive and holistic approach to labour mobility. To make migration work for all, supporting migrant workers and their families in a fair and sustainable manner is crucial,” Ms Pope said.

A joint effort between the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), IOM and partner governments across the Pacific, the program aims to engage with regional organisations and local stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and maximise impact for migrant workers and their families.

The PALM scheme, Australia’s primary temporary migration programme, has grown from 8,000 workers in March 2020 to almost 35,000 by mid-2024.

This scheme has been instrumental in filling essential labour shortages in rural and regional Australia while fostering strong regional connections.

The Family-Centred Assistance to PALM Workers offers support to migrants and their families throughout the labour migration journey.

The program entails consultation with invited governments to develop tailored frameworks, broaden pre-departure assistance, strengthen reintegration support, and enhance capacity in partner governments.

The program will enhance the well-being of migrant workers and their families, prior to arrival in Australia and upon return home with assistance that includes guidance on what to expect from overseas work; advice on how to adapt to a new culture and how to cope with separation from loved ones; and family financial management skills, among others.

When the workers return home, the program will help them and their families with that transition, including by providing guidance on how to better leverage skills they acquired in Australia.

“The program represents a significant step forward in enhancing the support available to PALM workers and their families,” Ms Pope said.

“By focusing on both the pre-departure and reintegration phases, the programme aims to create a more positive and sustainable experience for all involved,” she said.