Tonga advances toward first National Employment Policy

Nukuʻalofa, Tonga (ILO News) - Tonga's first draft National Employment Policy (NEP) is making progress with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

A consultation workshop, held in Nuku'alofa on 26-27 November 2024 brought together some 30 representatives of government agencies, trade unions, labour and employer bodies, civil society and academia to provide feedback on a first draft of the NEP.

During the opening session, the Acting CEO of the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, Lorraine Kauhenga, stressed: "A forward-looking National Employment Policy that responds to labour market challenges and contributes to socio-economic development outcomes is the aim of the Ministry."

The two-day consultations saw discussion on a wide range of issues in the draft NEP. These include strengthening education alignment and youth employment support; formalization; supporting small businesses; standardization of employment conditions and wages; supporting vulnerable groups and promoting inclusivity; and strengthening labour migration.

Christian Viegelahn, ILO Employment Specialist, highlighted the importance of the progress workshop: "It is key for stakeholders in Tonga to ensure that the policy reflects what this country really needs to address existing challenges and leverage opportunities for decent job creation. This workshop also helps ensure that effective implementation mechanisms will be put in place, to make sure that the policy will be transformed into tangible and impactful actions on the ground, which benefit workers and enterprises in Tonga."

Tonga, like other Pacific Island Countries, has been grappling with economic challenges triggered by the COVID-19 crisis and other external disruptions such as natural disasters. These have not only impacted employment rates but have also influenced elements like industry focus, required skills and working conditions.

Given these circumstances, the formulation of the National Employment Policy is seen by stakeholders as a pathway to creating quality employment opportunities, improving livelihoods and pivoting towards a more resilient and diversified economy in Tonga.
The November workshop built on consultations held in May 2024 that identified priority policy areas. Bilateral meetings and focus group discussions also took place with tripartite partners and other relevant stakeholders in October 2024.

The initiative is supported by the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga and funded by the Joint SDG Fund through the Joint Programme on Advancing the SDGs by Improving Livelihoods and Resilience through Economic Diversification and Digital Transformation in five Pacific Island Countries.