Pacific Island countries face unique development challenges. Given their youth bulge, unemployment is a pressing problem. Where these countries are unable to bring jobs to the people, the alternative is to bring the people to where the jobs are.

Expanding labour mobility is vital for the future of the Pacific region. And advanced economies around the Pacific Rim will need migrants in the coming years to
fill gaps in their domestic labour markets. This is especially likely in sectors that often struggle to attract domestic workers, such as aged care.

Australia and New Zealand both have deep interests in a stable and prosperous Pacific, interests that would be advanced by increased Pacific labour mobility.

Taking a long-term view, the report shows what is possible through overseas employment for Pacific Islanders.