Samoan RSE workers

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling confirmed this in an interview with Savali News, adding that New Zealand has offered a total of 2000 employment opportunities for Pacific Island countries.

“Our workers are ready to fly out of the country this month and all necessary preparations for the workers are well set before they depart,” said Pulotu.

While awaiting the finalization of details, the New Zealand Government has also initiated additional employment relief for local RSE workers found stranded due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Confirmed by the New Zealand’s High Commissioner in Samoa, Dr. Trevor Matheson, “The New Zealand Government is working to support a special flight to return some RSE workers to Samoa, at requested by the Samoan Government.
“Given Samoa’s COVID-19-free status, minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission will remain a key priority throughout.”

The health of Samoan RSE workers has come under the spotlight after the death of a worker in Australia.

Last month a seasonal worker in New Zealand died during a rugby match, with heart failure suspected to be the cause of death, according to a report by RNZ.

In his weekly radio address Samoa Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said the deceased in Australia was taking part in a social with other workers when he collapsed on the dance floor.