The Pacific labour mobility scheme, while showing clear financial advantages, has left some families facing significant remittance gaps, where caregivers and children are not receiving the financial support expected. A recent study led by UNICEF examined the impact of this scheme on families in Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, revealing that some beneficiaries of the scheme have not been supporting their families as anticipated.
The study noted that families who maximized the benefits of the labour mobility scheme tended to be those who engaged in careful financial planning, budgeting effectively, and sending regular remittances home. Without this financial discipline, many caregivers and their children struggled with insufficient remittances, which adversely affected their overall well-being and quality of life.
Participants highlighted that despite recognizing the economic benefits of the programme, there were numerous cases where the financial gains failed to reach the intended recipients. In some instances, caregivers were reported to mishandle the funds. The report also pointed out that extended family members, who often play a crucial role in caring for children, did not benefit from the remittances provided.
One participant from Fiji expressed frustration, stating, “When their husbands send money, some of their wives forget about those of us relatives helping at home.” A woman from Vanuatu reflected on the changing financial dynamics, indicating a previous flow of support that had since ceased.
According to the findings, many of the migrant workers appear to be the ones mismanaging their finances, resulting in a lack of financial support for their families back home.