Ex-agent calls for stronger support, improved monitoring of seasonal workers

May 28, 2026 11:00 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

Former seasonal work agent Roy Willie has raised concerns over the growing challenges faced by Vanuatu workers participating in seasonal employment programs in Australia and New Zealand, calling for stronger monitoring systems and improved pastoral care support for workers overseas.

Speaking during a talkback interview on the “Kava mo Kajap” show, Mr. Willie, who previously operated the Busy Bee seasonal work agency, shared his experiences working both as a labourer and later as a recruiter for seasonal workers.

Mr. Willie explained that his journey into labour recruitment began while he was employed on orchards in New Zealand. During his time as a worker, he helped draft contracts between workers and farm owners before eventually transitioning into direct recruitment.

He said transparency and trust between agents, employers and workers were essential to maintaining successful labour mobility partnerships.

“I started as a worker before becoming a recruiter. I worked closely with farm owners and made sure everything was done transparently. If I wanted to move experienced workers to another farm, I informed the employer first so there was trust between us,” he said.

Mr. Willie acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges faced by seasonal work agents today is worker behaviour overseas, especially when workers begin earning substantial incomes for the first time.

He said some workers become influenced by money, alcohol and negative peer pressure, leading to poor decisions that can damage both their own futures and the reputation of Vanuatu workers abroad. “Money has power. Some workers change after they start earning good money. Some begin drinking, driving under the influence, or neglecting responsibilities to their families back home,” he said.

According to Willie, agents often carry the burden of worker misconduct despite having limited ability to control workers once they are overseas.

“You cannot control what is inside a person’s heart or mind. At the end of the day, responsibility lies with the worker,” he said.

During the discussion, Mr. Willie emphasised the importance of discipline, proper guidance and preparation before workers depart overseas. He said workers should clearly understand their responsibilities not only to employers but also to their families and communities in Vanuatu.

“I always tell workers they are going overseas for a purpose — to build homes, support families and improve their lives. They must remember their obligations to their families and communities,” he said.

He similarly stressed the need for agents to provide closer supervision and financial guidance to workers while they are abroad, including teaching them how to manage savings and avoid harmful behaviour.

Willie revealed that while working as a recruiter, he lived alongside his workers and regularly guided them on appropriate behaviour, safe spending habits and responsible living.

“I stayed with my workers and guided them. We taught them internet banking, where to shop safely, and warned them about places or activities that could lead them into trouble,” he said.

The former recruiter further called on the Government to provide more support for seasonal work agents to enable better monitoring and pastoral care services for workers overseas.

He suggested that agents should be financially supported to travel and spend time with workers on farms in Australia and New Zealand to help reduce cases of alcohol abuse, accidents, absenteeism and other social problems.

Willie additionally expressed concern over reports of deaths, workplace incidents and criminal cases involving seasonal workers overseas, saying stronger systems were needed to safeguard workers and protect Vanuatu’s international labour reputation.

He said that, despite isolated incidents, the majority of Vanuatu workers continue to perform well and contribute positively overseas.

“Most workers are doing well and helping their families and communities back home. But a few negative cases can damage the reputation of all Vanuatu workers, so we must continue monitoring and supporting them,” Willie said.

Calls for stronger collaboration between the Government, labour agents, employers and workers to ensure the long-term success of Vanuatu’s seasonal worker programs were strongly emphasised during the interview.