Recognised Seasonal Employer

Vanuatu

Arrangements for a New Zealand employer who holds Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) status and an Agreement to Recruit

Key Contact in Vanuatu

Lionel Kaluat
Commissioner of Labour
Department of Labour
Private Mail Bag 9022
Port Vila
VANUATU
Tel: 00678 22610
Fax: 00678 26544
Email: lkaluat@vanuatu.gov.vu

General Information   

Geography: Four main islands and 80 smaller islands; several of the islands have active volcanoes.

Capital: Port Vila

Population: 208,869 (July 2006 est.)

Languages: Bislama, English, French

Economy: Is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with more than 60,000 visitors in 2005, are other mainstays of the economy.

What assistance does Vanuatu provide?

Recruitment

There are two recruitment options RSEs can choose from:

Option A

RSEs can engage an agent in Vanuatu to undertake recruitment activity on their behalf.

Key points:

1. All recruitment agents in Vanuatu must have a license from the Commissioner of Labour.
2. The Commissioner of Labour can provide RSEs with a list of licensed agents (licensing is design to protect RSEs and potential workers).
3. Potential workers will be registered and screened by agents based on consultation with chiefs and church leaders.
4. It is matter between the RSE and the agent to negotiate recruitment activity.
5. Once recruitment selections have been made, signed employment agreements will need to be provided by RSEs to confirm the job offer.

Option B

RSEs can recruit directly in Vanuatu but will need to obtain a permit from the Commissioner of Labour. The Commissioner of Labour will assist RSEs by linking them with community contacts.

Work Visa Application & Processing

Once an individual receives an offer of employment from the RSE and obtains other immigration documentation, they can then submit a work visa to work for an RSE application form to the New Zealand High Commission, Port Vila. At the time of submission, the application (form, fee and photo) must be fully completed attached with all documentation requirements (i.e. Employment Agreement, Medical and Chest X-Ray Certificate).

Pre-Departure Orientation

The Vanuatu Department of Labour will ensure all Indivudals attend a seminar before their departure to New Zealand covering matters such as climate, clothing and footwear requirements, taxation, insurance (particularly health insurance), health and wellbeing, accident compensation, banking and remitting, budget advice and travel arrangements. Agents are responsible for delivery these seminar, the Vanuatu Department of Labour will maintain an oversight role. Workers will receive a pre-departure booklet to assist them while in New Zealand.

Pastoral Care

RSEs are responsible for pastoral care of workers as set out in the RSE Work Policy. Vanuatu workers will benefit from the full protection of New Zealand employment and workplace legislation, in particular legislation concerning healthy and safe conditions of work. Should any concerns arise during the term of employment, RSEs and workers can approach Department of Labour staff as well as the key contact.

Compliance

The pre-departure seminars will emphasis to workers the importance of compliance and the public consequences of any overstaying, displaying a good work ethic and protecting Vanuatu’s reputation as a source of seasonal labour. Similar to pastoral care, RSEs are responsible for ensuring that workers comply with immigration requirements and return home before the expiry of their permit.