The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme re-engagement process provides employers with an opportunity to access eligible PALM scheme workers who are already in Australia and available for employment.
What is re-engagement?
Re-engagement is one of the ways the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) is working with employers and workers to address worker disengagement and support positive outcomes across the PALM scheme. Worker disengagement is when a PALM scheme worker leaves their approved employment and stays in Australia without PALM scheme approved work.
DEWR assesses workers for suitability before referral and supports employers throughout the process.
Re-engagement is for eligible workers on a valid visa, who are in Australia and stopped working through no fault of their own. If a worker left a compliant employer who was offering genuine work, DEWR will not be able to support re‑engagement in the PALM scheme.
Re-engagement can help employers address workforce shortages, reduce recruitment timeframes and access workers who are already familiar with living and working in Australia.
About re-engagement
Re-engagement allows eligible disengaged PALM scheme workers to be considered for employment opportunities with approved PALM scheme employers.
It supports workers to remain lawfully employed in Australia while helping employers meet workforce needs.
Re-engagement is an important part of the department's broader approach to addressing worker disengagement.
It helps to:
- support eligible workers to remain lawfully employed in Australia
- support worker welfare and wellbeing
- meet employer workforce needs
- maintain workforce continuity
- strengthen positive outcomes across the PALM scheme.
Participation in the re-engagement process is entirely voluntary. Employers can discuss opportunities with DEWR and consider worker profiles without any obligation to employ a worker.
Benefits of re-engagement
Re-engagement provides benefits for both employers and workers.
For employers, re-engagement can:
- reduce recruitment timeframes
- help fill workforce gaps more quickly
- provide access to workers who are already in Australia
- provide access to workers who are familiar with living and working in Australia
- support workforce continuity.
For workers, re-engagement can:
- provide an opportunity to remain in lawful employment
- support financial stability
- support worker welfare and wellbeing
- enable workers to continue contributing their skills and experience.
Getting involved
Employers can contact the department to discuss their workforce needs and learn more about re-engagement opportunities.
Expressing interest does not create an obligation to employ workers.
What happens after I express interest?
DEWR will work with you to:
- discuss your workforce requirements
- answer questions about the re-engagement process
- identify suitable opportunities where available
- provide information to support recruitment decisions
- assist throughout the recruitment and onboarding process.
Employers make their own recruitment decisions and undertake any onboarding requirements for successful candidates.
DEWR is available to provide support throughout the process.
For more information or advice
This frequently asked questions document outlines the re-engagement process, explains how workers are assessed, and answers common questions from employers considering re-engagement opportunities.
For more information about re-engagement opportunities, contact the PALM scheme support service on (1800 51 51 31) or email (palm@dewr.gov.au). Please note the support service line and email inbox are monitored 8.30 am to 6.30 pm AEST - calls after hours should be for critical incidents only.