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Chiefs in Vanuatu are calling on relevant authorities to re-engage with them in the screening process of all applications from RSE workers prior to approval by the Labour department.
The Chairman of the Port Vila Town Council of Chiefs (PVTCC) and a member to the Vanuatu National Council of Chiefs, Malvatumauri, chief Isaac Worwor said that last year the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs had resolved that the Department of Labour set up a screening body that will engage the chiefs from different islands and urban centres to screen the applicants for seasonal work in Australia and New Zealand.
He claimed that any such screening process could have prevented RSE workers from illegally importing prohibited items.
"The screening process that involved the chiefs and agents prior to sending the final list to the labour department, only happened once — that was back in 2009," chief Worwor recalled.
"The recent incident of ni-Vanuatu workers importing 'illegal items, such as weapons, ammunition and alcohol that were seized by Customs in Port Vila last month, is a sounding alarm to the local authorities that we need to do something now to protect the industry for our future workers of the scheme,' he said.
Chief Worwor said the chiefs know their people better than anyone else because they also have their networks with their respective community members which could assist labour to get more reliable information on individuals.
He said he was sad to see that something that can be prevented had happened and now workers are facing consequences.
The chief’s concern was raised following information that about 20 Vanuatu workers were implicated in a recent incident of importing 'illegal or banned items.
The workers concern will now have their names on Vanuatu's 'black list' and banned from further engagement in the RSE Scheme.
A regular RSE participants has said current workers should act responsibly and think of new workers who would want to join the scheme in future.
"The future of the scheme depends a lot on us, as to how we behave today towards the scheme," he said.
He said he understands that more than 3000 Vanuatu workers who went or have been to either New Zealand or Australia have assisted their immediate families to improve their living condition back in their respective communities. “They have also contributed to the national economy in terms of small scale businesses in their communities”.
He called on all responsible authorities to put in place a more secure system that will not tarnish Vanuatu’s as well as individual reputations, for the future benefit of all.
Ni Vans picking Cos lettuce in eastern Victoria: Photo ABC News Tim Lee
