A UNICEF study found labor mobility schemes in the Pacific have impacts on children.
These schemes have attracted many Pacific workers to New Zealand and Australia over the last decade. The study looked at differences between incomes of families who financially planned and budget, versus those who didn’t.
Families from the four countries of Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands acknowledged that improved income is mostly for consumables rather than savings.
The research also found significant remittance gaps among those who did not financially budget well, affecting the well-being and quality of life for caregivers and children.
UNICEF said remittance gaps need to be addressed by government and service providers to be more inclusive of family members.
