Solomon Islands PM Calls For Growth In PALM Scheme

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.

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