A new agreement between the Samoa's government and villages involved in seasonal work overseas will be tougher on misconduct by workers.
Photo: RNZ/Peter Fowler
The memorandum of understanding signed on Monday will advance the government's involvement in the selection process, which is managed by village leaders.
Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet chief executive Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo said information would now be shared with the government to ensure workers are prepared for their jobs.
"It's important that through the MOU, the villages are made aware that this is the x number of people who are on the scheme and then for the village mayors to actually verify that 'yes, these are the people who actually stay in the villages'."
New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme currently employs 1600 Samoan workers and is marking its tenth anniversary this year.