The Solomon Islands is expecting Canberra to have an answer by August on whether it will allow Pacific workers into Australia.
Pacific nations have long called for Australia to ease visa restrictions and allow workers from neighbouring islands to take unfilled jobs.
There are scarce economic opportunities on many Pacific islands and they believe a guest worker scheme will provide a much-needed cash boost, as well as giving islanders new skills.
Australia has been reluctant to embrace the scheme but the Rudd government has agreed to consider the proposal after it sees the results of a New Zealand trial.
However, Labor may find it easier to adopt such a scheme amid signs of easing union opposition.
