Remittances from the PALM scheme contribute to the economic interests of individual PALM scheme workers as well as participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. They support communities, families and local businesses and complement other drivers of economic growth.
The Australian Government commissioned research to estimate remittance flows to the Pacific and Timor-Leste, which shows:
- Over AUD2 billion in remittances was sent to the region since the commencement of the PALM scheme in April 2022 to December 2025.
- AUD556 million was remitted to the Pacific and Timor-Leste in 2025.
- On average, PALM scheme workers send home around AUD1,460 each month in remittances.
Table: PALM scheme regular remittance estimates*, 2025
| Country | Estimated remittances (AUD, millions) |
|---|---|
| Fiji | $90.6 |
| Kiribati | $16.9 |
| Naoero | $0.8 |
| Papua New Guinea | $33.8 |
| Samoa | $41.6 |
| Solomon Islands | $98.7 |
| Timor-Leste | $62.7 |
| Tonga | $79.5 |
| Tuvalu | $5.2 |
| Vanuatu | $126.5 |
| Total estimated remittances | $556.1 |
* Source: Australian National University/World Bank Pacific Labour Mobility Survey Wave 1, Pacific Labour Mobility Support Program (PLMSP) Cost of Living Surveys Phases 1 and 2, and PALM scheme worker data.
For notes on methodology please visit the Australia’s Development Program - Tier 2 Results webpage.