Project Information Document (Concept Stage) - Uttar Pradesh Solid Waste Management Project - P150571 : Concept Project Information Document (PID) - Enhancing Labor Mobility from Papua New Guinea (PNG) - P174594

In a high-frequency phone survey on COVID-19 undertaken by the World Bank, 28 percent of households in PNG reported having reduced their food consumption since March 2020 and 52 percent reported taking at least one child out of school, raising grave concerns about the impacts of the crisis on food security and the long-term development and productivity of children. [...] At the same time, the domestic labor market, already constrained in terms of formal job creation at skill levels that match those of the PNG’eans, is unlikely to adequately support the country’s economic recovery, whether in the short- or medium-term. [...] The horticulture sector, which employs the major share of Pacific seasonal workers under the SWP and RSE schemes, is relatively less affected by the COVID-19 crisis than other economic sectors in Australia and New Zealand. [...] Increasing the number of PNG workers participating in these schemes relies first and foremost on (i) building links with employers in Australia and New Zealand and (ii) ensuring workers have the right skills and attributes that meet the demands of employers. [...] The request is consistent with the government’s aims of improving the country’s participation in the SWP and RSE schemes and becoming a lead supplier of semi-skilled workers to the PLS.