Tongan workers can take up semi skilled jobs in Australia for a period of up to three-years under a Pacific Labour Scheme, after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Tonga Government on March 12 at St George Government Building.

The MOU signed between Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the Australian High Commissioner Designate HE Mr Adrian Morrison was witnessed by Australia’s Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Hon. Anne Ruston.

This scheme will be open to all sectors and industries with an initial focus on accommodation and food services industry, healthcare and social assistance industry and the non-seasonal agriculture, forestry and fishing industries.

Dr Fotu Fisi’iahi CEO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said the Tongan Government is grateful to Australia for providing this opportunity for Tongan workers, one that will benefit its people and economy.

After signing the MOU, Tonga will work with Australia on setting the criteria for recruitment, applicants, start date and other things. “We are hoping it will start sometime this year,” he said.

The scheme which began in July last year for Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Nauru and Tuvalu runs in conjunction with the current Seasonal Workers Program.

They said the Assistant Minister's visit was aimed to further strengthen the relationship with Tonga and continue commitment to stepping up Australia’s engagement in the Pacific region.

After arriving on March 11, Hon. Ruston left Tonga for Samoa today.