Discipline problems, behavioral issues, and violence among children have been associated with parental absence due to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Talei Cama, a child protection specialist with UNICEF, revealed that around 13,000 workers from Fiji have moved to Australia and New Zealand through this initiative since 2015.
While acknowledging some benefits of labor mobility, Cama expressed serious concerns about its negative effects on children and their caregivers. She emphasized the emotional and mental health implications, noting that long periods without parents can cause distress in children.
“The emotional and mental health impact on children was strongly highlighted in our research,” Cama stated. She noted that the prolonged absence of parents can lead to significant emotional distress for the children.
Another issue identified is the lack of communication, as parents working abroad often do not maintain regular contact with their children or families back home. This can create emotional distance, leaving children feeling abandoned.
Cama explained that this disconnect can result in increasing behavioral problems, including violence among children. Furthermore, the absence of father figures has been recognized as a significant issue, especially for young boys who would benefit from having male role models.