Hanoi (VNA) — The Australian Government will allow up to 1,000 Vietnamese workers to be employed in its agricultural sector at any given time, as part of the labour mobility programme between the two countries.
On September 6, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Australian Embassy announced the implementation of support measures for Vietnamese citizens under this programme. Accordingly, participating Vietnamese workers can undertake short-term work (lasting from six to nine months) or long-term assignments (from one to four years).
The job positions available require only low to semi-skilled agricultural work, including crop cultivation, meat processing, aquaculture (including fish farming), and forestry. In early March, the prime ministers of both countries jointly announced the plan for the implementation of the programme. The selection of Vietnamese service providers for sending workers abroad and Australian employers participating in the programme is set to take place in September, with the choosing of the former coordinated by the Ministry and Australian government.
In the first year of the programme, one public service unit and up to six enterprises specialising in sending Vietnamese workers overseas will be selected. Recruitment fees will be paid by Australian employers to the Vietnamese service providers.
Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Ba Hoan stated that labour cooperation is a crucial component of the Vietnam-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership.
He noted that this agreement would meet the wishes of Vietnamese workers seeking to work in Australia to improve their language skills, gain knowledge, and enhance technical expertise in agriculture while earning higher incomes.
At the same time, it would also cater to relevant demand from Australian employers. Australian Deputy Ambassador Renée Deschamps highlighted the significance of this cooperative programme for both sides. The nations are committed to ensuring the safety of participating workers and minimising risks related to fraud, unethical recruitment practices, and labour exploitation, she said.
Vietnamese service enterprises interested in participating in the programme can submit their applications to the Department of Overseas Labour (DOLAB). Detailed requirements for an application are available on the websites of DOLAB and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs.
Selected service providers will recruit Vietnamese workers based on labour supply contracts approved by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (through DOLAB) and recruitment plans of Australian employers approved by relevant Australian authorities.
Vietnamese workers who meet the criteria and conditions are recruited by Australian employers, and granted visas to work in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. Specific details will be announced in upcoming recruitment rounds.
In early March 2024, the Vietnamese and Australian Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Australia jointly announced the Implementation Plan for the Labour Mobility Programme between the two nations. This plan outlines the specific requirements and conditions for Vietnamese workers participating in the programme, as well as the roles and responsibilities of relevant agencies and organisations to ensure the welfare of workers.
Việc lựa chọn doanh nghiệp hoạt động dịch vụ đưa người lao động Việt Nam đi làm việc ở nước ngoài theo hợp đồng và người sử dụng lao động Australia tham gia vào chương trình được thực hiện trong tháng 9/2024. Bộ Lao động-Thương binh và Xã hội và Chính phủ Australia cùng phối hợp lựa chọn doanh nghiệp dịch vụ Việt Nam tham gia vào chương trình.
The selection of Vietnamese service enterprises involved in sending workers abroad under contract and Australian employers participating in the programme is scheduled for September 2024. The Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs will do this task in coordination with the Australian Government./.
