Labour Force

The potential labour force, i.e. persons aged 15 years and above, was 79,669 in 1989, of which 84 percent or 66,597 were economically active. Of these, 49,811 or 75 percent were working in agriculture and other primary industries. In the nonagricultural sector, 25 percent were employed in trade/hotels, finance, insurance, community, social and personal services, and 5 percent in manufacturing, construction, transport and related industries.

Building Labour and Wages

There are both local and foreign construction firms in Vanuatu capable of undertaking most types of construction work. Unskilled, semiskilled and even certain types of skilled labour is also readily available. Supervisory and specialised skills can be recruited from overseas provided the work permit requirements are met. Wage rates in the building industry are low, ranging from Vt8,500 to Vt10,000 a month. However this is being currently reviewed by the government.

Work Permits

It is an offence for any non-citizen to take up or to continue in the paid employment of a private individual or company in Vanuatu, without first having obtained a "Work Permit". It is necessary for every employer who wishes to employ any non-citizen to make an application on the prescribed form to the Department of Labour, together with two passport size photographs, a copy of the employment contract included, if any, and supporting documents in respect of the trade or professional qualifications or experience of the prospective worker.

Work contracts are normally in written form. They may be granted for any period up to 2 years for oral contracts and up to a maximum of 3 years for written contracts. Work Permits are to be renewed every year, with the Commissioner of Labour reserving the right to deny the issue of a Work Permit subject to reports of ill treatment or unfavourable employer records.

A fee of [VT100, 000] is charged per person per annum for a work permit.

Change of Employment

An employer must apply to the Department of Labour for a Work Permit for an employee who wishes to change his occupation, although remaining in the service of the same employer or for any new employee who has been previously employed in any occupation by another employer.

Renewal/Extension of Work Permits

In cases where an employer wishes to retain the services of any employee to whom a work permit has been issued beyond the expiry of the period for which such a permit is valid, an application for extension/renewal of the Work Permit must be made to the Department of Labour, not less than thirty days prior to the date of expiry of such permit.

The Commissioner of Labour will normally grant a Work Permit for a similar period to that of the Residency Permit which has been granted to the employee by the Immigration Department.

To obtain a work permit for technical or other staff you may intend to bring to Vanuatu in connection with the activity (manufacturing or otherwise) proposed to be established by you in this country; or for renewal/extension of a work permit already issued.

Chief Labour Officer
PMB 9022, Port Vila. Vanuatu.
Phone: +678 22610
Fax +678 2654