Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called for more job opportunities for Solomon Islanders through Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Solomon Islands is one of nine Pacific Island countries that is part of the PALM scheme, which allows eligible Australian employers to recruit workers from the region for seasonal and longer-term placements.
Wale gave the keynote address at the inaugural PALM Approved Employer Expo in Honiara on Tuesday.
He said that more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated under the PALM scheme since 2018 in various sectors and industries, calling it “a massive achievement and a huge investment for our people”.
He challenged employers and his government’s Labour Mobility Unit to help meet an annual target of 5000 Solomon Islanders participating in PALM.
Currently there are 4000 Solomon Islands workers in Australia under the PALM scheme.
“Imagine 5000 Solomon Islanders accessing employment, developing new skills and gaining new experiences.
“Imagine the difference that 5000 opportunities each year can make to families and communities across our islands. These are the potentials of labour mobility that must be turned into opportunities and economic outcomes.”
Wale said labour mobility is helping families and communities, with workers sending home over SB$500 million in remittances in 2025.
“Through these opportunities, Solomon Islanders can work, develop new skills and support their families and communities, while at the same time contributing significantly to Australian businesses, communities and economy,” he said.
