Labor Migration: Kiribati

Kiribati, a remote Pacific island nation, faces significant challenges in managing labour migration. With limited local employment opportunities, labour export has become a vital economic lifeline. However, the country's existing legal framework is outdated and lacks comprehensive regulation, particularly concerning seasonal labour migration to New Zealand and Australia under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme (PSWPS). The absence of standardized recruitment practices, informal recruitment by returning workers, and inadequate regulatory oversight pose risks to both the quality and quantity of Kiribati’s labour export. To address these issues, the World Bank funded a strategic project led by our senior international labor law expert, to analyze the labour migration framework and propose targeted solutions.

GG International labor law expert, Shaan Stevens, supported by labor policy expert, Matte Birchler, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development (MLHRD), conducted a thorough analysis of the current labour export system. Key recommendations include:

The implementation of these recommendations has empowered Kiribati to better manage its labor export challenges. By establishing a clear legal and regulatory framework, the country has strengthened its ability to meet the demands of international employers while safeguarding the rights and well-being of its workers. Integrating the private sector into the recruitment process has allowed for increased participation without compromising quality. As a result, Kiribati is now better positioned to expand its labour export markets, including potential new destinations such as Canada and the United States.