PNG Labour Mobility Unit

05/11/2026

PNG Labour Mobility Recruitment Hub Coordinators' Workshop 2026.

05 November 2026 | Kokopo, East New Britain Province

The Papua New Guinea Labour Mobility Unit (PNG LMU) held its annual Recruitment Hub Coordinators' Workshop in Kokopo, East New Britain Province, bringing together representatives from 39 Recruitment Hubs nationwide under the theme "Preparing for Success."

The workshop was officially opened by the Provincial Administrator for East New Britain, Mr Levi Mano, alongside PNG Labour Mobility Unit Assistant Director, Mr Hubert Noel Waiyat, with participation from key stakeholders supporting Papua New Guinea's labour mobility programme.

Distinguished guests included New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Her Excellency Ms Georgina Roberts, and Australian High Commission First Secretary (Economics), Ms Sinead Jones-Mulders, reflecting the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand in advancing labour mobility opportunities and development outcomes.

Welcoming participants to East New Britain Province, Mr Mano recognised the important role of Recruitment Hub Coordinators in facilitating access to overseas employment opportunities and contributing to provincial and national development objectives. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the East New Britain Provincial Government, under the leadership of Governor Hon. Michael Marum, to supporting labour mobility initiatives.

In his opening address, Mr Waiyat acknowledged the significant contribution of Recruitment Hub Coordinators in supporting the Government of Papua New Guinea's labour mobility agenda and strengthening pathways for Papua New Guineans to access overseas employment opportunities.

Mr Waiyat emphasised that labour mobility is a collective national effort that relies on strong partnerships, effective recruitment practices and comprehensive worker preparation to deliver positive outcomes for workers, employers and communities.

The annual workshop serves as a key capacity-building and coordination platform, enabling Recruitment Hub Coordinators to strengthen their understanding of labour mobility policies, standards and procedures; share experiences and lessons learned; and align recruitment efforts with national priorities.

The workshop further supports the Government of Papua New Guinea's "30 by 30" aspiration of increasing the number of Papua New Guineans participating in overseas employment opportunities to 30,000 by 2030.

Addressing participants, Her Excellency Ms Roberts, highlighted the value of labour mobility as an evolution of partnership that contributes to sustainable and inclusive development, while strengthening people-to-people links between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. It is a quadruple win, delivering positive outcomes for workers, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia as well as the Approved Employers.

Ms Jones-Mulders reaffirmed Australia's continued support for Papua New Guinea's labour mobility programme and encouraged participants to utilise the workshop to further strengthen recruitment standards, worker readiness and programme delivery. She emphasised that worker quality remains central to expanding opportunities for Papua New Guineans.

Representing Recruitment Hub Coordinators, Ms Ellen Vera Morgan of the Gazelle District Hub, reflected on the broader social and economic benefits of labour mobility programmes, particularly in creating pathways for Papua New Guineans to access employment opportunities, develop skills, generate income and contribute to the wellbeing of their families and communities.

Throughout the week, the coordinators assessed and discussed key priorities including strengthening provincial work-ready pools, promoting consistent recruitment standards and procedures nationwide, improving worker preparation and welfare outcomes, and enhancing data management, reporting and worker reintegration systems.

The Recruitment Hub Coordinators' Workshop remains an important mechanism for strengthening collaboration across Papua New Guinea's labour mobility network and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, worker-centred labour mobility outcomes that contribute to national development.

New Zealand High Commission, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea

03/11/2026

PNG Labour Mobility Unit hosted Returned Worker Reintegration Event

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — On Friday, 23 October, the Papua New Guinea Labour Mobility Unit (PNG LMU) hosted a Returned Worker Reintegration Event, bringing together returned workers, government representatives, international partners and service providers to support their transition back into families, communities and workplaces.

The event sought to strengthen reintegration outcomes by connecting returned workers with support services and opportunities, updating worker records to establish a PNG Labour Mobility Returned Worker Alumni network, and providing assistance with Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) applications.

PNG LMU Director Hakaua Harry said the event highlighted the important contribution labour mobility participants make to their families, communities and the broader PNG economy, and aimed to ensure workers can turn their hard work abroad into long-term success at home.

“Reintegration is not just about workers returning home. It is about what happens next, and how participants can make the benefits of labour mobility last,” Director Harry said.

“We want our workers to return with more than savings. We want them to bring home skills, knowledge and experience that can benefit their families and communities and contribute to the development of Papua New Guinea.”

Australia High Commission First Secretary (Economics), Sinead Jones Moulders reaffirmed the importance of supporting workers throughout the migration cycle, including on their return home.

The event included panel discussions with returned workers from a range of industries including horticulture, meat processing and aged care. Participants shared their experiences of working overseas, including the skills they gained, the challenges they faced and how they have applied their knowledge and earnings after returning home.

Workers heard from stakeholders and support organisations, including the PNG Poultry Association and the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Corporation, on services available to assist reintegration and long-term wellbeing.

Focus group discussions with returned workers allowed participants to reflect on their labour mobility journeys and discuss future aspirations, business opportunities and pathways for using their skills and experience at home.

Stakeholder organisations, including the Poultry Industry Association in PNG, SME Corporation, PNG Family Health, BSP Life Insurance, Atlas Steel, the Kyeema Foundation, and Pacific Australia Skills (PAS), provided information on services and opportunities available to returned workers.

The event concluded with a certificate presentation recognising the participation and achievements of returned workers.

The Returned Worker Reintegration Event reflected the PNG LMU's commitment to ensuring labour mobility delivers lasting benefits beyond workers' time overseas by supporting successful reintegration and helping returnees translate their international experience into positive outcomes for themselves, their families and their communities.

23/10/2026

The PNG LMU is always happy to see workers under the scheme achieve goals set before mobilization 🥳

22/10/2026

PNG and Australia Highlight the Transformative Impact of the PALM Scheme

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea | 21 October 2026

The Minister for Labour and Employment, Hon. Saki Soloma, MP, today welcomed the Australian Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Hon. Amanda Rishworth, MP, and her delegation to the home of returned Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (PALM) worker Mr. Elijah Kisekol and his family.

The visit marked the official opening and tour of Mr. Kisekol's newly constructed family home and provided an opportunity to showcase the tangible outcomes of labour mobility for Papua New Guinean workers, their families, and communities. The event demonstrated how income earned and skills acquired through participation in the PALM Scheme are contributing to improved livelihoods and long-term economic development in Papua New Guinea.

Minister Soloma congratulated Mr. Kisekol and his family on their achievement, noting that the home stands as a powerful example of the opportunities created through labour mobility and the determination of Papua New Guinean workers to invest in their future.

"This home is a symbol of the positive impact that labour mobility can have on workers, families, and communities. It reflects the hard work, resilience, and aspirations of Papua New Guineans who are creating better opportunities for themselves and future generations," Minister Soloma said.

During the visit, Mr. Kisekol shared his labour mobility journey and reflected on how the experience enabled him to gain valuable skills, support his family, and realise a long-held ambition of building a permanent family home. Ministers and guests also heard from other returned PALM workers who spoke of the benefits gained through the scheme, including investments in housing, education, small businesses, and community development initiatives.

Minister Rishworth welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with returned workers and hear firsthand accounts of their experiences and achievements. She acknowledged the significant contribution PALM workers make to both the Australian and Papua New Guinean economies and reaffirmed Australia's commitment to supporting mutually beneficial labour mobility opportunities.

The two Ministers reaffirmed the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia in advancing safe, orderly, and productive labour mobility pathways that deliver lasting social and economic benefits to workers, employers, and communities in both countries.

PNG Labour Mobility Unit Director Ms. Hakaua Harry thanked Minister Rishworth for attending the event and recognised the importance of highlighting worker success stories.

"Today's event demonstrates the transformative impact of labour mobility and the strength of the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia. It highlights how opportunities abroad can create lasting benefits for families and contribute to national development here at home," Ms. Harry said.

The event was attended by representatives of the Australian Government, PNG Department of Labour and Employment, the Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program, the PNG Labour Mobility Unit, and returned PALM workers and their families.

25/09/2026

16/09/2026

31/08/2026

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme LSU–AE Workshop Successfully Concludes in Brisbane

The Australian Government, in partnership with the PALM Scheme Approved Employers Association, hosted the first PALM Scheme Labour Sending Unit–Approved Employer Workshop from 24–26 August at Stamford Plaza, Brisbane.

Representatives from Labour Sending Units, senior officials from ten Pacific countries and Timor‑Leste, Heads of Missions, Approved Employers, DFAT, DEWR and PALM support organizations attended the three‑day event. The workshop focused on strengthening collaboration, improving recruitment processes, and enhancing worker welfare and reintegration outcomes under the PALM Scheme.

Papua New Guinea was represented by Ms. Hakaua Harry (Director), who attended alongside her team, and together with Acting High Commissioner Joe Warison and Consulate General of PNG - Brisbane Office Reatau M Rau.

Across the three days, stakeholders participated in government roundtables, employer‑led discussions, and strategic sessions covering PALM priorities, worker preparation, support, wellbeing and reintegration. Director Harry delivered presentations on PNG Labour Mobility priorities and the PALM Prepare program.

The workshop reinforced partnerships across the PALM network and supported practical improvements to recruitment, worker support and overall Scheme outcomes.

28/08/2026

Protect yourself from scams.

A scam is when someone tries to trick you.

They might want your money, personal information or bank account details.

A scammer might pretend to be:
- a government worker
- your bank
- a friend or family member.

They might contact you by:
- phone
- text message
- email
- social media.

If something feels wrong, it could be a scam.

Learn more about how to spot scams and protect yourself: https://www.palmscheme.gov.au/resources/scams-targeting-palm-scheme-workers

If you know about a scam, you can contact:
- your employer or team leader
- Scamwatch: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam
- PALM scheme support service on (1800 13 13 50) or email ([email protected]).

05/08/2026