Department of Labour and Employment Services (DOLES)

In service to its clients and stakeholders, the Department of Labour and Employment Services (DOLES) is issuing this media release to reaffirm the department's latest policy implementations.

COMMITTED MISSION

DOLES is committed to carrying out its roles diligently, without prejudice, and to the fullest extent of its capacity as mandated by governing legislation. To further streamline legislative directives, DOLES' current functions are guided by two main governing policies: the National Employment Policy (2025-2030) and the Labour Migration Mobility Action Plan (2024-2027). Both policies are driven by shared objectives:

• To ensure that Vanuatu's unemployment rate projects a downward trajectory 
• To ensure that migrant workers, both in sending and receiving countries, have access to 
decent jobs 
• To ensure all migrant workers and employers, both in sending and receiving countries, 
are safe and treated fairly 
• To promote productive and consistent social dialogue with trade unions and employers 

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The Department of Labour has intensified its national efforts to combat human trafficking, safe labour mobility, and strengthen employment rights through a series of awareness activities recently carried out across Tanna, Malekula, and Santo from 9 March to 20 March 2026. 

A multidisciplinary team from the department lead by Manager Compliance Gino Kalnpel including ILO technical officer Mr. Mithun Mahanam, spent several days engaging with employers, workers and students as part of its broader mandate to promote safe, fair, and lawful labour practices throughout Vanuatu.

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