Halo Olgeta!

Welcome to the Vanuatu Department of Labour and Employment Services website. We strive to make Vanuatu a safe and healthy place to live and work. Through its various units, the Labour Department attempts to reach out its services in addressing the livelihood of all citizens of the country, from remote settlements to urban areas, their safety in workplace, working wages and occupational health and safety practices for workers who are engaged in any form of employment.

The prime functions of the Department of Labour and Employment Services include a wide range of activities including:

  • > Tripartite Labour Advisory Council
  • > Enforcement of Labour Legislations
  • > Labour Market Administration including Temporary Labour Movement (RSE & SWP)
  • > Control of employment of non-citizens (Localization Policy)
  • > Industrial Relations
  • > Conditions of Employment including Wages and Salaries
  • > Occupational Health and Safety Inspections
  • > Full time commitment with International Labour Organization
  • > Employment Service Unit and Employment Services Centre (RSE/SWP & Domestic Market

 

We hope that you will find the resources that you need on our website. In addition to labour rules and regulations, the department offers a variety of free information on Employment Service Vanuatu (ESV), Health and Safety, Industrial Relations and Labour Work Permit. Take a few minutes to see if some of our services might benefit you. 

The Commissioner has broad regulatory and enforcement powers including all labour officers to carry out the department's duties and responsibilities as stipulated under the Employment Act. Thanks again for visiting the Vanuatu Department of Labour and Employment Services

 

MEDIA RELEASE (17th June 2026)

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 

Read More

⚠️ Beware of fake websites pretending to be official. Always check the domain carefully as official Vanuatu Government sites end with .gov.vu.