The Solomon Islands plans to expedite its economic involvement further in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme despite criticism over exploitation of its agricultural workforce with the regional power.
Prime Minister Matthew Wale amid the tightening of a diplomatic relationship with the Australian government since taking office earlier this year has called for far stronger partnerships between hundreds of sanctioned foreign employers and the Solomons' key stakeholders in the scheme.
More than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have participated since the employment program was first created for up to 10 Pacific countries in 2018.
Mr Wale gave the keynote address at the inaugural PALM Approved Employer Expo in Honiara on Tuesday, calling the scheme a "massive achievement and a huge investment for our people".
"Beyond (financial) remittances, the scheme provides opportunities for workers to develop skills, gain experience and bring valuable knowledge back to their (Solomons) communities," he said.
The Prime Minister challenged employers and his government's own labour mobility unit to meet new annual targets of 5000 Solomon Islanders participating in PALM.
There are around 4000 Solomon Islands workers in Australia for seasonal and longer-term job placements that are urgently needed to be filled.
"Imagine the difference 5000 opportunities each year can make to families and communities across our islands," Mr Wale said.
"These are the potentials of labour mobility that must be turned into opportunities and economic outcomes."
Mr Wale added labour mobility sent valuable foreign currency to the Solomon Islands worth more than SB$500 million ($A88 million) in 2025 alone.
"Through these opportunities, Solomon Islanders can work, develop new skills and support their families and communities, while at the same time contributing significantly to Australian businesses, communities and economy," he said.
But the controversial PALM scheme has come under serious scrutiny amid calls for greater focus on workers' rights, their welfare and for approved employer compliance which ensures Australian rules, standards and obligations are being delivered.
The Migrant Justice Institute, an independent Australian research and policy authority, surveyed 370 PALM workers in 2024 and found that 64 per cent said they would have preferred to change employers during their time after engaging in a poor job experience.
Only 10 per cent said they would use the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations' hotline to complain against a backdrop that 64 per cent also said they feared being sacked had they reported workplace issues.
But Mr Wale, in defence of the scheme, highlighted the positive contribution Solomon Islands workers make to Australian employers and the country's economy, adding that the benefits of labour mobility extended beyond remittances.
"This is the strength of labour mobility: when it works well, it delivers benefits on both sides of our partnership," he said.
Mr Wale has held meetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese three times in person this year that included discussions about raising numbers of Solomon Islanders working in Australia.
He also called on stakeholders to work together and ensure PALM remained "sustainable and mutually beneficial" for both countries.
