Professionals

Concern growing popularity of seasonal workers programme poses threat to Vanuatu economy

While the majority of those who attended were either out of work or laid off, a significant number were people who are already employed but believe they can earn better money picking fruit in Australia.

There are now fears of shortages in the teaching and nursing sectors, if professional workers are allowed to take up seasonal jobs overseas.

Vanuatu's former minister for internal affairs, Andrew Napuat, who presided over the seasonal workers programme in the previous government, is urging the current administration to take steps to restrict who can make the trip.