The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Trevor Hedley Manemahaga, has emphasized the need for a managed labour migration system in the health sector to protect the country’s workforce and ensure national development.
Speaking at the Consultative Workshop on Labour Migration in the Health Sector, Minister Manemahaga highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges faced by trade unions and health workers, particularly in the context of labour migration.
“Labour migration in the health sector is not just a workforce issue—it is a national development issue,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the need for a national system that manages labour migration with control and compassion, including training and up-skilling pathways, better protection and monitoring systems, labour data systems, and return strategies.
“We must not allow our hopes to be overshadowed by ‘green pastures.’ We must plant seeds of prosperity here,” he said.
The Ministry is advancing several policies to address the structural issues behind labour migration, including the National Employment Policy, National Salary and Wages Commission Policy, and National Migrant Workers Policy.
These policies aim to guide job creation, ensure fair remuneration, and better manage labour market flows.
Minister Manemahaga also called on development partners to co-design solutions that reflect the country’s needs, saying, “Do not walk ahead of us.
“Walk with us. Respect our pace, honour our context, and invest in solutions that work for Solomon Islanders.”
The workshop brought together government officials, trade unions, civil society organizations, and development partners to discuss the challenges and opportunities in labor migration in the health sector.
The Minister emphasized the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in addressing these issues and building a better future for Solomon Islanders.
The government has made significant progress in delivering projects and services, including the upgrade of Munda International Airport, the Gizo Water Supply System, and telecommunications to remote islands. The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to delivering real results and improving the lives of Solomon Islanders.
– GOVT COM UNIT
