This paper discusses the relatively untouched topic of temporary migrants’ health care management in Australia’s Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE), which are temporary seasonal worker schemes.

An objective of both Australia’s Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) is to encourage economic development in the Pacific. This paper highlights how a number of ni-Vanuatu seasonal workers in both RSE and SWP have created various businesses and responded to the changing economic environment in Vanuatu.

This research stems from a 10-year longitudinal study of 22 ni-Vanuatu temporary migrant labourers participating in New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) established on 30 April 2007. This report highlights changes, challenges, experiences and opportunities during the first 10 years of RSE and makes several recommendations on possible potential problem areas.

Using evidence-based research of ni-Vanuatu workers in the Seasonal Worker Programme, this paper argues that this strategic policy of encouraging development for Pacific island nations is effective, and that participating in labour migration provides workers with new avenues of social mobility.

This In Brief highlights local ni-Vanuatu support structures initiated through workers’ participation in Australia’s Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE).