The Samoa Government is reviewing the recognised seasonal worker scheme due to a number of issues uncovered including local employees resigning and opting for work overseas.
However this program was initially set up for the unemployed and its not limited to the private sector but also the Government, said Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’fa in an interview with her Press Secretary.
At the moment the Cabinet has approved the trips up to March, but afterwards they will be reviewing this program thoroughly, given the numbers of issues, including the working conditions and contracts signed with the the local workers.
The Prime Minister reminded there are Samoan representatives in New Zealand and Australia looking into the issues raised by the seasonal workers; adding the seasonal worker scheme was initiated after dialogues between Government’s and so when issues arise it's somewhat “sensitive matters”.
The Prime Minister urged the people of Samoa employed under the seasonal working schemes to follow the protocols in place when they encounter issues to address it with their representatives in those Country's to ensure the issues are resolved.
Furthermore the Prime Minster said business and Government Ministries have expressed concerns over their employees who have opted to go overseas for work.
Yet, the Prime Minister said this program "was meant only for the unemployed" and so there is a lapse in the criteria of eligibility and that is what the Government will be looking into.
