Pacific migration and integration

18.DSCF0975.jpg
A young man clearing and preparing vacant land on the road side to farm rootcrops and vegetables. This is usual in Fiji but has become even more common since the begininng of the COVID19 pandemic.
Laisiasa Dave

Examining temporary and permanent migration to and from the Pacific region is an important area of our work. Our research has focused on Pacific labour schemes such as New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme (RSE) and the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) schemes since 2007. The department’s various research projects attempt to understand the outcomes of temporary and permanent migration and provide evidence-based research. Our main objective is to examine the cultural, economic, political and social dynamics of migration. We work collaboratively with Pacific researchers, communities and governments in the Pacific region. This collaboration includes Pacific diasporas, and communities and governments in Australia and New Zealand. These relationships are essential in understanding the nuances of migration, creating partnerships and applying culturally appropriate lenses to the highly complex nature of migration. 

Understanding economic and social impacts of temporary migration 

Current research projects examine broad themes encompassing cultural, economic, health, political and social impacts of Australia and New Zealand’s Pacific labour schemes. Using evidence-based collaborative research, they provide insights and understanding of the political and social environments of these policies to government and non-government stakeholders.

The impact of Pacific migration on Australia 

Our work highlights Pacific diaspora communities as well as temporary workers under the PALM scheme and their impacts on communities in Australia.  There have been studies on the potential influence of economic, material and social remittances from Australia to the Pacific region. However, the financial, social and cultural contribution that permanent and temporary Pacific communities provide in Australia needs to be better understood and also requires documentation.

Sustainable pathways: the future of Pacific integration 

Since mid-2021, Pacific integration has been a significant focus of the Australian government. Alongside extended temporary migration opportunities under PALM, the new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) will allow permanent migration for 3000 people annually from the Pacific region and Timor-Leste. Researchers examining climate migration, migration with dignity and integration, as well as migration in a broad sense, are closely following this. 

 

Attachments