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.
Once approved to recruit under the PALM scheme, employers can access 2 cohorts of workers - seasonal workers (up to 9 months) and longer-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 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 its Pacific family.
Seasonal and longer-term workers
The Australian Government connects Australian employers with both seasonal and longer-term workers through the Pacific Labour Facility, which supports the administration of the PALM scheme.
The PALM scheme helps employers fill unskilled, low-skilled or semi-skilled positions for seasonal jobs (up to 9 months) or longer-term roles for between one and 4 years.