Pacific Islands Guestworkers in Australia: The New Blackbirds?

This book explores the contemporary seasonal migration of Pacific islanders to Australia through the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP), offering a critical perspective on managed labour migration from nineteenth-century practices to the present day. It focuses on Vanuatu, the main source of labour, and traces new patterns of migration with economic and social consequences that are restructuring parts of rural and regional Australia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 506 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This groundbreaking book is the first to delve into the modern phenomenon of Pacific islanders migrating to Australia through the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP). It provides a comprehensive analysis of this emerging era of guestwork, encompassing social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions in both source and destination countries. By offering a critical perspective on various phases of managed labor migration, from nineteenth-century practices of "blackbirding" to contemporary practices, the book sheds light on the complexities and challenges associated with this phenomenon.

The book explores the origins and evolution of guestworker policies and programmes, examining the factors that have shaped their development and the impact they have had on Australia and the sending states. It specifically focuses on Vanuatu, the primary source of labor, drawing upon studies conducted in Australia, Vanuatu, and other Pacific Island countries. Through this multidisciplinary approach, the book uncovers new patterns of migration that are reshaping rural and regional Australia in response to labor demands from agriculture and evolving regional geopolitics.

One of the key findings of the book is the significant economic and social consequences of guestworker migration. It highlights how these programmes have contributed to the growth of industries and sectors in Australia, while also providing opportunities for Pacific islanders to improve their livelihoods and access education and healthcare. However, the book also raises concerns about the exploitation and marginalization of guestworkers, particularly those who are subjected to poor working conditions, discrimination, and human rights violations.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a range of policy recommendations aimed at promoting fair and sustainable guestworker programmes. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that guestworkers receive fair wages, access to basic rights and protections, and opportunities for skill development and career advancement. Additionally, the book calls for greater cooperation between governments, employers, and labor organizations to ensure that guestworker programmes are aligned with the needs of both source and destination countries.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking book provides a valuable contribution to the study of guestworker migration and its implications for Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the broader global community. It sheds light on the complex dynamics of migration, highlighting the economic and social benefits as well as the challenges and risks associated with this phenomenon. By offering policy recommendations and promoting dialogue and collaboration, the book aims to contribute to the development of fair and sustainable guestworker programmes that benefit all parties involved.

Weight: 806g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811953866
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023