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About

 

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme allows Australian businesses to hire workers from 9 Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste when there are not enough local workers available.

Pacific worker on a tractor

Once approved to recruit under the PALM scheme, employers can access 2 cohorts of workers - short-term workers (up to 9 months) and long-term workers (between one and 4 years).   

Businesses who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to become approved and recruit from either or both cohorts of workers under the PALM scheme using this online application form.

PALM scheme employers in the agriculture sector and select agriculture-related food product manufacturing sectors can be based anywhere in Australia, whereas all other sectors must be based in a regional or rural location.

Learn more about eligibility requirements.

 

Benefits that flow both ways

Pacific Australia labour mobility is highly valued by Australia and the Pacific, helping Australian businesses address workforce shortages and supporting the economic growth of Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste.

Labour mobility is central to Australia’s engagement with the Pacific and Timor-Leste, providing jobs for Pacific and Timor-Leste workers and enabling them to develop skills, earn income and support their families and communities back home.

Through the PALM scheme, links are also created between people, businesses and communities, fostering deeper connections between Australia and the Pacific family.

Expanding and improving the PALM scheme

The Australian Government is committed to further improving and expanding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme in line with Australian, Pacific and Timor-Leste aspirations. 

In 2026 the Government will work towards integrating New Caledonia into the PALM scheme with an initial cohort of up to 100 workers, recruited and deployed over a two-year period. This first stage deployment, agreed with New Caledonia and France, will enable a gradual entry of New Caledonia into the PALM scheme and provide an opportunity to test and refine policy settings. Worker numbers after the initial two-year period will be based on employer demand and New Caledonia’s priorities.