Pacific Island nations are moving to gain control over their labour drains, after seasonal worker numbers explode

Photo by Maurice Masuino. Retrieved from abc.net.au

For Maurice Masuino, recruiting a new electrician will take an international search.

His Vanuatu business, South Pacific Electrics, lost 10 per cent of its staff to seasonal work in Australia and New Zealand, and electricians are in short supply at home.

Those remaining at the business are feeling the pressure as large projects approach.

“We’ve managed to shuffle things around, but it’s made it really, really difficult for us,” Mr Masuino said.

It’s one of many trades and occupations listed as facing shortages — including in the country’s vital tourism sector — as thousands of ni-Vanuatu leave for popular labour mobility schemes.

For workers, the schemes are a chance to earn higher wages, save money and build homes despite cost of living pressures at home.