Increasing discipline issues, behavioral problems, and violence among children have been associated with parental absence due to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Talei Cama, a specialist in child protection at UNICEF, reported that since 2015, around 13,000 workers from Fiji have moved to Australia and New Zealand under this initiative.
While acknowledging some benefits of labor mobility, Cama raised serious concerns about its implications for children and their caregivers.
She noted that the emotional and mental health consequences are especially alarming, as extended parental absence can cause distress in children.
“The emotional and mental health effects on children have emerged strongly in our research,” Cama stated.
She emphasized that the prolonged separation from parents leads to emotional suffering for kids.
Cama also mentioned that communication issues arise when parents working abroad struggle to maintain regular contact with their children and families back home.
This lack of communication can create a significant emotional distance, leaving children feeling abandoned.
She pointed out that such disconnection may potentially escalate behavioral problems, including violence among youngsters.
Moreover, the absence of father figures has been identified as a critical issue, particularly for young boys who benefit from having male role models.