Increasingly concerning discipline issues, behavioral problems, and violence among children have been associated with the absence of parents due to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Talei Cama, a child protection specialist with UNICEF, reported that around 13,000 Fijian workers have moved to Australia and New Zealand under this initiative since 2015.
While acknowledging some advantages of labor mobility, Cama raised serious concerns about its impacts on children and their caregivers. She emphasized that the emotional and mental health effects are particularly alarming, as long periods of parental absence can lead to distress in children.
“Regarding the impacts on children, the emotional and mental health effects have been highlighted strongly in the research,” Ms. Cama stated. “The extended absence of parents results in emotional distress for children.”
She noted that a lack of communication between parents overseas and their children or families back home exacerbates these issues. This lack of contact can create distance and a sense of abandonment for the children.
Cama explained that this disconnection may lead to increased behavioral problems, including violent tendencies among children. Furthermore, the lack of father figures has been identified as a critical concern, especially for young boys who need male role models.