Pacific Labour Leaders Meet in Nadi as Overseas Work Opportunities Expand for Islanders

Pacific labour leaders, government officials, employers, and worker representatives have gathered in Nadi this week to discuss the future of jobs, worker mobility, and employment protections across the region, as increasing numbers of Pacific Islanders continue taking up overseas work opportunities in countries such as Australia and New Zealand.

Hosted by Fiji under the theme “Designing our Destiny: A Just and Resilient Future of Work for the Blue Pacific,” the Senior Labour Officials Meeting is focusing heavily on labour mobility, skills development, workplace protections, youth employment, and the growing economic importance of overseas employment pathways for Pacific workers.

Opening the meeting at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Permanent Secretary for Employment Jone Maritino Nemani said Pacific countries are now facing major workforce and economic shifts that require stronger regional cooperation and Pacific-led solutions.

Mr Nemani said the meeting comes at a critical time as Pacific nations work to create better jobs locally while also ensuring Pacific workers travelling overseas are protected through safe and rights-based labour mobility systems.

“This meeting is timely as it comes at a critical moment for our region as Pacific Island countries continue to face a range of interconnected challenges, including the impacts of climate change, economic recovery pressures, demographic transitions, informality in employment, skills shortages, technological revolutions and the growing need for stronger social protection systems,” Mr Nemani said.

He said while the Pacific faces serious challenges, there are also opportunities for countries in the region to work together in building a future of work that is resilient, inclusive, and grounded in Pacific values and priorities.

Mr Nemani said discussions this week will focus on improving labour governance, strengthening worker protections, investing in youth employment and skills development, improving occupational safety and health standards, and supporting vulnerable workers, including those in informal sectors.

The meeting also builds on discussions held during the 2025 Pacific Tripartite High-Level Conference on Employment, Decent Work, Climate Change and Security, which was also hosted by Fiji.

Representatives attending the meeting include officials from Pacific governments, workers’ organisations, employers’ bodies, the International Labour Organization, International Organization for Migration, Asian Productivity Organization, regional trade unions, and development partners from Australia and New Zealand.