The Samoa government has banned seven villages from taking part in the seasonal work schemes with New Zealand and Australia after recent incidents involving workers breaking the law.
The people from Tafua tai on Savaii, and Solosolo in Upolu, face a four-year ban after some workers from those villagers were alleged to have been involved in damaging company cars and a dormitory, theft and leaving employment without notice.
The villages of Letogo, Samusu, Sataoa, Fagae'e, and Toamua face a two-year ban after workers from there were accused of rape, drunk and disorderly behaviour, and also leaving the work place without notice.
Our correspondent, Autagaiva Tipi Autagavaia told Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor the government has had enough.
AUTAGAVAIA TIPI AUTAGAVAIA: Also giving chances to people that are deported back because of breaking the law and also breaching the requirements of seasonal work overseas. And he said it clear - 'enough is enough' - and the government is now stepping in to do something to stop people from breaking the law overseas while they are away for seasonal work.
MOERA TUILAEPA-TAYLOR: I see the prime minister - Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi - has urged the seven villagers who he imposed these bans on to punish the individuals and their families who have embarrassed the country. Now, everyone must know who they are.
ATA: Oh, yes, of course. They should know who they are. But I think what the prime minister meant by that, the village council has their own jurisdiction to deal with matters like this, especially these alleged offences committed overseas, not in the village. So I believe the village council will carefully look into it before they impose any punishment against these individuals and their families. And, mind you, these people have their right under the constitution to take the matter further, to court.
MTT: Now, any of these seasonal workers who were involved in committing crimes, did any of them face any court action?
ATA: No, no.
MTT: And seven villages. It must have involved quite a lot of people who were alleged to have committed crimes.
ATA: Yes, because that is something that the government hasn't said - how many people from these villages were involved in these alleged offences, only saying this village, some people from their village were committing rape, theft, leaving without notice the employment and so forth.
MTT: And how many people are sent to New Zealand as part of this scheme every year?
ATA: Uh, I understand that it was around 1,000 seasonal workers from here sent to overseas, especially New Zealand - now Australia is part of the scheme - for work every year. But because of this, I understand that the government is now reducing the amount of workers from 1,000 to 700.
Autagavaia says the government also believes it should be the only body to recruit workers for the schemes.
