Vanuatu has recorded a work ratio of 41.2 percent, one of the lowest employment rates since 2020. In response, the country launched its first National Employment Policy this week in Port Vila, aimed at strengthening the national workforce, which is a key driver of the economy.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, officially launched the policy and expressed confidence that it will guide and support the nation’s labour force.
“It is a big honour to officially launch this Vanuatu National Employment Policy 2025–2030,” Minister Napuat said.
According to the policy, 184,000 of Vanuatu population are within the working-age population in 2020. Among them, 79,000 people were either employed or actively looking for work, leading to a labour force participation rate of 42.9 percent.
Minister Napuat said the policy is not just a document, but a tool to support workers facing unemployment, underemployment, limited job opportunities, gender inequality, and other challenges.
“We are moving to a strategic framework to ensure that our workforce becomes more skillful, productive, and supported,” he said.
The President of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Antoine Boudier, welcomed the launch.
“This policy will provide future costing phases to ensure that these reforms will support decent employment,” he said.
Labour Commissioner Muriel Meltenoven said the policy will help improve labour force surveys and provide government with stronger data.
“In Vanuatu there is a lot of underemployments. What are the indicators that can help the government reflect the true position of our context?” she said.
New Zealand High Commissioner Nicola Simmonds also expressed support for the initiative.
“Funding for this week comes from our partnership with HILOW, the Pacific Migration and Human Security Opportunity, and this project will support climate change and migration to help unemployment now and in the future.”
The National Employment Policy will run from 2025 to 2030, providing a five-year plan built around seven key areas of focus.
