In addition to these pressures on the labour market, Kiribati’s long-term sustainability as an island nation is under threat from climate change, one response to which is the permanent relocation of some of its people, under the Government’s “Migration with Dignity” Policy. These challenges call for a review of the current situation and for the development of a National Labour Migration Policy that promotes a balanced approach to future labour migration, provides an outlet to alleviate domestic employment pressures, and helps secure Kiribati’s long-term survival as a nation, people and culture. It is crucial that this policy is in line with the Government’s overall strategy for national development, and provides I-Kiribati with opportunities for safe and productive employment abroad that contribute to the maintenance of sustainable livelihoods at home.

The long-term vision of the National Labour Migration Policy is to provide I-Kiribati with increased opportunities to migrate with dignity by accessing decent work opportunities abroad.The permanent relocation of some of its citizens is part of the Government’s long-term climate change adaption strategy. In the medium-term, the National Labour Migration Policy’s vision is to help Kiribati achieve its national sustainable development goals, reduce poverty and relieve pressure on the domestic labour market through identifying strategies to secure employment abroad, improving the linkage between training and overseas employment, and providing I-Kiribati with realistic options to work abroad, within a decent work agenda which primarily addresses the generation of productive employment opportunities for all citizens within the country.

3.2 Goals and Objectives [...] To enhance the resilience of I-Kiribati communities and people against climate change and ensure that Kiribati as a nation, culture and people will not perish as a result of climate change,

The National Labour Migration Policy has been formulated with reference to the Kiribati Development Plan (KDP) 2012-2015, the National Framework for Climate Change and Climate Change Adaptation, the Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, the 2004 Kiribati Population Policy, the National Youth Policy 2011-2015, the Education Sector Strategic Plan, the MLHRD’s Strategic Plan, the National Approach to Eliminating Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Kiribati, the Gender Equality Policy (currently being developed), the Comprehensive Trade Policy Framework (currently being developed), and the Kiribati Foreign Policy (currently being developed).