VCCI Strengthens Support for Ni-Vanuatu Workers Through Reintegration Program Mission to Australia

As the lead organisation delivering the Worker Ready Investment Ready (WRIR) Reintegration Program, the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), in partnership with the Department of Labour, recently completed a coordinated mission to Australia under Intake 5 of the program. The mission focused on strengthening support systems for Ni-Vanuatu seasonal workers overseas and ensuring they are well-prepared for successful economic and social reintegration upon return.

VCCI’s Reintegration Team—Senior Reintegration Officer Alphie Lelekele, Reintegration Officer Jemima Tari, WRIR Project Supervisor Esther Wenau, Team Leader Daniel Wenau, and Country Liaison Officer Pita Foliaki—made up the team. The business development sessions covered the Seasonal Work Canvas and Family & Community Canvas, tools designed to help workers plan and invest into their own businesses and stay connected with their communities while abroad.

Field Visits Provide Deeper Insight

Alongside the training sessions, the team conducted field visits across Victoria and Coffs Harbour, meeting with employers, workers, team leaders, and pastoral care staff. These on-site engagements offered firsthand insight into:

• Worker living and workplace conditions

• Employer expectations, systems, and challenges

• Areas where VCCI can further strengthen economic reintegration

These conversations help VCCI refine its approach so that support remains relevant, practical, and centred on the real experiences of Ni-Vanuatu workers.

Demonstrating VCCI’s Long-Term Commitment

The mission further solidified VCCI’s role as a key support system for workers throughout their labour mobility journey—from pre-departure preparation, to on-the-ground monitoring, through to reintegration once they return home.

By maintaining strong relationships with employers, partner agencies, and workers, VCCI continues to champion the welfare, financial readiness, and long-term success of Ni-Vanuatu seasonal workers and their families via economic empowerment and building up provincial business leaders.