Samoa’s private sector is feeling the growing pressure of labour migration, with businesses reporting staff shortages, rising retention costs and difficulty replacing experienced workers, according to a new report launched by the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The SCCI-MDF Labour Migration Survey Report 2025–2026 was officially launched at Le Manumea Hotel in Apia on Monday, 29 June 2026.
The report, prepared by SCCI in collaboration with the Market Development Facility, is based on 408 valid business responses collected between July 2025 and April 2026. It examines how labour migration and labour mobility pathways are affecting Samoa’s workforce, particularly through worker departures, skills shortages, staff retention challenges and productivity impacts.
The findings acknowledge that Samoa continues to benefit from labour mobility through overseas employment, remittances and work experience gained abroad. However, the report also points to increasing strain on local employers who are losing skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Retail and wholesale, hospitality and tourism, and manufacturing were identified among the sectors most affected by labour mobility-related workforce departures.
Businesses also reported rising wage and incentive costs as they try to retain staff, while others are struggling to replace experienced workers once they leave.
Speaking at the launch, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Will Robinson, said labour mobility brought both opportunities and challenges for participating countries.
“From Australia’s perspective, we recognize that labour mobility pathways – such as the PALM scheme and the Pacific Engagement Visa – can present a dual reality of both benefits and challenges to participating countries,” he said.
SCCI President Fa’asootauloa Sam Saili said labour mobility remains an important part of Samoa’s development, but must be supported by stronger domestic workforce planning.
“Labour mobility is an important part of Samoa’s development story, but it must be supported by stronger domestic workforce planning and private sector resilience,” he said.
He said the report was not questioning the value of labour mobility, but calling for a more balanced and coordinated approach that supports workers, families, employers and the wider economy.
The report identifies several priority areas, including the establishment of a private sector workforce data and HR reporting system, sector-specific workforce plans, practical skills development, employer retention support and better reintegration pathways for returning workers.
It also calls for stronger use of remittances for productive investment, improved access to Government and donor support, and greater use of productivity-enhancing technology and automation.
SCCI Chief Executive Officer John Lemoa said the report gives businesses a direct voice in national discussions on labour mobility and workforce planning.
“The value of this report is that it captures the voice of businesses directly,” he said. “It helps us move from general concern to practical action.”
He said the findings would help guide SCCI’s advocacy, sector planning and support services for members and the wider private sector.
SCCI acknowledged the Government of Australia through MDF, along with national partners including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, the Samoa Bureau of Statistics and the Labour and Employment Export Programme.
The Chamber also thanked businesses that participated in the survey, saying their input had helped build an important evidence base for policy dialogue and workforce planning.
Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry official press release on the SCCI-MDF Labour Migration Survey Report 2025–2026.
