In recent times however, there has been a growing consensus that migration and mobility are important
drivers of development in Pacific island countries. Whilst not a panacea, there is evidence that there are
‘triple wins’ to be had. Both longer term migration and temporary mobility arrangements can entail
economic benefits for migrants themselves, for the sending country, and for the receiving country. In 2006,
an influential report from the World Bank recommended [pdf] that pilot mobility schemes be pursued
‘between Pacific populations and other nations with an economic need for unskilled labour and a
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development interest in the Pacific region’. Over the following decade, both New Zealand and Australia
introduced, and expanded, temporary mobility schemes allowing Pacific islanders to work in rural industries
on a seasonal basis. Thousands of Pacific islanders have since taken up this new opportunity to earn
incomes abroad.