To encourage economic development in the Pacific, recent labour mobility programs, such as Australia’s Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE), offer employment opportunities for workers in the region. Governments involved in the bilateral agreements regulating the RSE and SWP schemes expect workers to contribute to development in Pacific island nations. This panel highlights various development impacts that have occurred as a result of SWP and RSE. There have been a number of intended and unintended outcomes associated with the newly established relationships, particularly those stemming from absences from home. The panellists will share their experiences of these labour policies and the ways in which their involvement has contributed to development or supported those associated with the schemes, including workers. They will discuss challenges and opportunities associated with the schemes, and their perspectives on the future of these schemes and their development potential.