By adopting the proposed regulatory framework, Tonga can significantly improve its management of labour migration. The enhanced oversight ensures better worker protection, more reliable data collection, and consistent quality standards. Additionally, formalizing recruitment processes without compromising flexibility positions Tonga favorably in the regional labour market. This strategic transformation not only supports economic growth through remittances but also strengthens international relationships by providing a reliable workforce to receiving countries.
— Tonga —
migration. opportunity. protection.
Strengthening Labour Export from Tonga: A Strategic Approach to Addressing Migration Challenges.
"A well-structured labour export framework is essential for safeguarding worker rights while promoting economic resilience and competitiveness." – International Labour Organization (ILO)
Challenge
Tonga, a Pacific island nation, faces unique challenges in managing its labour migration. Labour export has become crucial for the Tongan economy, particularly through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme (PSWPS), allowing workers to migrate to New Zealand and Australia for seasonal employment. However, the absence of a formal regulatory framework has posed both benefits and challenges. On one hand, the lack of regulation offers flexibility for employers and preserves Tonga’s competitive advantage. On the other hand, the growing involvement of private recruitment agents and informal recruitment by returnees has led to concerns about quality control, data collection, and worker protection. Recognizing these issues, the World Bank funded a strategic project led by GG International to assess the current system and propose regulatory improvements.
Strategy
Our international labor law expert, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Commerce, and Industries (MLCI), conducted a comprehensive analysis of Tonga’s labour migration framework. Key recommendations include:
- Establishing a Flexible Regulatory Framework: Introducing a simple yet robust legislative structure to regulate both public and private recruitment practices while minimizing bureaucratic barriers.
- Balancing Flexibility and Control: Ensuring that while employers benefit from streamlined processes, the Ministry retains oversight to maintain quality and protect workers.
- Data Management and Compliance: Developing mechanisms to gather accurate data on migrant workers, remittances, and the involvement of private agents.
- Strengthening Worker Protection: Implementing guidelines to regulate private agents and address worker grievances, thereby enhancing Tonga’s reputation as a reliable labour source.
- Learning from Regional Successes: Adopting best practices from similar Pacific island nations like Vanuatu to maintain competitiveness while formalizing recruitment processes.
These recommendations aim to enhance Tonga’s institutional capacity for managing labour export while maintaining the country's competitive advantage in the Pacific labour market.
Transformation
- Migrant workers earned US$ 440 billion in 2011, US$350 billion returned to developing countries.
- Labor migration is an integral part of national development and employment strategies of both sending and receiving nations.
- Labor migration allows high remittance flows, transfer of investment, technology, and critical skills.