No. The Pacific Labour Scheme enables employers to access low and semi-skilled workers from Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste for up to three years.

The Seasonal Worker Programme enables employers in the agricultural and accommodation sectors to access unskilled workers for a period of nine months. 

The Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) puts Australian job-seekers first. Employers must advertise jobs in Australia and demonstrate that they cannot fill vacancies with Australian workers before becoming eligible to participate in the PLS.

All participating workers have the same rights and protections as Australian workers. We provide a range of support services to assist workers including:

• connecting workers, employers and Pacific-based training institutions
• providing education on financial literacy, including banking services, remittance transfers, tax returns, and access to superannuation benefits (upon expiry of visas)
• accessing affordable accommodation and appropriate living arrangements for workers
• facilitating the introduction of workers to their local communities, including their local diaspora communities
• providing a 24/7 information hotline for employers and workers (1800 51 51 31)
• monitoring the impact of labour mobility programs, both in Australia and in Pacific island countries, to improve the support provided to workers.

If you are an employer who wants to join the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), you need to be accredited as an Approved Employer by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Our online prospective employer questionnaire will help you work out whether your business is eligible to join the PLS.

If you are eligible, you can then apply to join the scheme. If you apply and are approved, you will also need to become a Temporary Activities Sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs.

If you are a current Seasonal Worker Programme Approved Employer, you can apply to join the PLS, but you still need to undergo the Approved Employer assessment process.

If you have any questions, please get in touch by email (enquiries@pacificlabourfacility.com.au).