Representatives from the Government of Kiribati, employers' and workers' organizations completed a week-long peer-to-peer learning mission to Vanuatu aimed at strengthening labour mobility governance, migrant worker support services and reintegration programmes.
The exchange was coordinated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the MARI 2 Initiative which is implemented by the ILO with funding from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the United States of America.
The delegation, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Employment and Human Resources (MEHR), the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Kiribati Trade Union Congress (KTUC), and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs (MWYSSA), met with government agencies, social partners and community stakeholders to learn from Vanuatu's labour mobility programmes and support systems.
The lessons learned will help inform the establishment of Kiribati's first Overseas Worker Resource Centre (OWRC), a one-stop support hub that will provide services to aspiring, current and returning migrant workers and their families.
"When Pacific countries share experiences, we all can relate from having to some extent similar economic, political and geographical setting. We understand the limitations of resources being island nations and being prone to natural disasters. So, for the benefit of both institutions the dialogue is very much personal," said James Willie, Commissioner of Labour, Vanuatu. "This exchange demonstrates the value of South-South cooperation in finding practical solutions that strengthen worker protection, family wellbeing and labour mobility outcomes across our region."
Terengaiti Awerika, Secretary for Employment and Human Resources of Kiribati, explained that the visit provided valuable insights for Kiribati's labour mobility agenda. "We have learned that successful labour mobility is not only about employment opportunities, but also about preparing families, promoting financial resilience, protecting workers' rights and supporting reintegration. Labour mobility is a priority for Kiribati, and these lessons learnt will help shape the development of Kiribati's Overseas Worker Resource Centre and strengthen support for I-Kiribati workers participating in Labour mobility programmes, and their families," she said.
The ILO facilitated the exchange as part of its ongoing support to Pacific Island countries to promote safe, fair and rights-based labour migration. Through the MARI 2 Initiative, the ILO works with governments and social partners to strengthen labour mobility governance, promote fair recruitment, enhance worker protection and improve reintegration outcomes.
"Peer-to-peer learning is one of the most effective ways to strengthen labour mobility systems in the Pacific," said Martin Wandera, ILO Director for the Pacific Island Countries. "By sharing practical experiences and good practices, countries can develop solutions that advance decent work and ensure labour mobility delivers positive outcomes for workers, families and communities."
The exchange highlights the growing commitment of Pacific countries to work together to maximize the benefits of labour mobility while ensuring the protection and wellbeing of migrant workers throughout their migration journey.
About the MARI 2 Initiative
The MARI 2 Initiative is implemented by the ILO to support Kiribati in strengthening labour migration governance, promoting fair recruitment, enhancing worker protection and improving reintegration outcomes, contributing to decent work and sustainable development across the Pacific.
