In light of the concerning number of unsubstantiated information being circulated via various social
platforms, the Ministry of Commerce Industry & Labour (MCIL) offers its utmost assurance that the
immediate safety, welfare and wellbeing of Samoan citizens engaged under temporary labour mobility
schemes continues to be of paramount importance. This has always been, and remains a coordinated and
highly invested multi-stakeholder effort, including the Samoan Country Liaison Officer, Samoa Head of
Mission & Consulate in Australia, Government of Australia and various Australian based agencies as well
as local communities.
COVID 19 Pandemic and Safe Return Home
The sudden devastating impacts of the COVID-19 (2019) outbreak resulted in a lot of uncertainty for
seasonal workers in Australia but also for families, especially as a result of the international border
closures and flight restrictions.For Virgin Airline, workers with tickets paid in 2019 and early 2020 were
advised of airlines’ decisions to keep these as credits for a certain period. In the absence of Virgin’s
international services, Qantas and Air NZ were still servicing both chartered and periodic commercial
repatriation flights until borders officially opened in August 2022.This was a huge undertaking
coordinated by the Samoa Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Samoa Head of Mission and Consulate
in Australia, with support from the Samoa Country Liaison Officer. Despite the opportunities made
available for passage home, there were also a concerning number of Samoan seasonal workers who opted
to disengage from the programme and stay with families and or other contacts, thereby breaching the
terms and conditions of their employment visas.
Passports of Samoan Nationals:
Pursuant to Part 8 ‘Offences and Penalties’, Section 37 ‘Other Offences’ of the Samoan Passport Act
2008: it is an offence for any person to seize and retain in their possession a Samoan travel document
(passport) against the will of the document holder. This is strictly observed by all Government of Samoa
officials in Australia including the Head of Mission and Consulate as well as the Country Liaison Officer.
For seasonal worker passports supplied to Country Liaison Officer by either Police or Approved
Employers, work is ongoing in locating and assisting the owners. This is further complicated by workers
disengaging from the programme and ceasing all contact with government officials.
Message to Seasonal Workers:
Samoan workers engaged in seasonal work in Australia are encouraged to reach out to the Consulate
Office in Sydney to share any concerns you may have. In addition to this, there is also an escalation
process for the program where multiple stakeholders are acknowledged as critical point of contacts

P.O. Box 862, Apia, SAMOA| Telephone: (685) 20441/ 20442/ 20882 | Facsimile: (685) 20443 | Email: mpal@mcil.gov.ws.

Level 4, ACC House, Apia | Website: www.mcil.gov.ws

ranging from Government departments to recognized community connection organizations that have been
working collaboratively with Samoa Mission in Australia to deliver welfare Support for all Samoan
seasonal workers. For workers who have disengaged and thus overstayed work visas, the process is
difficult as the decision for redeployment or re-engagement will be in the hands of the authorities given
visa conditions have been breached and can only lead to deportation/redeployment. Our government
officers will provide assistance where it can given the limitations on them to intervene where workers
have of their own choice, disengaged or absconded without prior notice. Such actions are violations of the
law. Nevertheless, our government personnel will be available to assist where they can. Please contact the
Consulate office in Sydney Telephone: +61(2) 9602 1967 to discuss the next steps for your returning
home.