The Solomon Islands foreign ministry has denied claims that its labour mobility programme has been hijacked by politicians.
A Solomon Islander picking apples in a Hawke's Bay orchard as part of New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Local media reports have suggested that the the programme - which helps source people for New Zealand and Australia's seasonal work schemes - has been used by politicians to make their own appointments.
But in a statement, the ministry said workers are found either through licenced agents or directly by Australian employers, and that it does not have a say on the recruitment selection.
But in one avenue for Australia's programme -- the Work Ready Pool Model -- the ministry establishes a pool of potential workers from which Australian employers can choose.
However, the ministry said it is not a recruiting agent, and only assists independent agents and employers with official processes.
Nonetheless, it said it is working with the Australian High Commission to develop more robust and effective selection mechanisms.