Andrew Solomon Napuat: Advancing Labour Rights and Reforms in Vanuatu
Andrew Solomon Napuat has played a pivotal role in shaping Vanuatu’s labour landscape during his two tenures as Minister of Internal Affairs—first from December 19, 2017 to April 20, 2020, and again since August 12, 2024 under the leadership of Prime Minister Charlot Salwai.
Over the years, Napuat has led with a clear commitment to protecting workers’ rights, strengthening labour laws, and expanding international job opportunities for ni-Vanuatu citizens.
Champion of Fair Labour Practices
One of Napuat’s earliest and most visible acts came in June 2017, even before his formal appointment as Minister, when he publicly criticised alleged interference by Canberra in a planned agreement between the Vanuatu Government and Tasmania. The deal aimed to send 10,000 Vanuatu workers to assist on Tasmanian farms—an initiative Napuat defended as essential for job creation and economic mobility.
Following his appointment in December 2017, Napuat took bold action to uphold the integrity of Vanuatu’s workforce. In June 2018, his Department of Labour revoked 22 foreign work permits, including 21 from Mr Price and one from the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF), citing non-compliance and protection of local employment.
Later that year, in November 2018, Napuat hosted agricultural representatives from California, USA, to explore new seasonal employment opportunities for ni-Vanuatu workers abroad—an early indicator of his broader labour mobility strategy.
Reforming Labour Laws
In November 2018, Napuat introduced critical amendments to the work permit legislation, aimed at tightening oversight and ensuring a more transparent process for hiring foreign workers. The reforms were gazetted in January 2019, despite objections from the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Napuat stood firm, clarifying that consultation had occurred via the Tripartite Labour Advisory Council (TLAC) and that the private sector had been given ample opportunity to respond.
These reforms reflected Napuat’s broader vision of balancing foreign labour needs with local employment priorities, while creating a fairer regulatory environment.
Defender of Worker Rights
In May 2019, Napuat’s leadership drew international attention when he received a letter from Paddy Crumlin, President of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and head of the Maritime Union of Australia. The ITF urged the Vanuatu government to intervene in the dismissal of local seafarers and called on the Minister and Labour Commissioner to protect the rights of Vanuatu workers in the maritime sector. The case highlighted Napuat’s growing role as a national and international advocate for ni-Vanuatu labour protections.
Raising the Minimum Wage
Napuat has been instrumental in addressing wage disparities and cost-of-living concerns. He implemented two minimum wage increases during his first term. The first came in December 2017, raising the rate from 170VT to 200VT per hour. In September 2019, he again raised the minimum wage by 10%, bringing it to approximately US$1.59 per hour. These changes responded directly to inflation pressures and the legal requirement for biennial wage reviews, reinforcing his focus on economic justice for low-income earners.
Launching Vanuatu’s Labour Mobility Policy
On December 21, 2019, Napuat launched Vanuatu’s first Labour Mobility Policy—a landmark achievement after a decade of growing participation in seasonal worker programs in Australia and New Zealand. The policy laid out a structured, government-led approach to managing outbound labour, enhancing oversight, protecting workers’ welfare, and aligning international schemes with domestic development goals.
Napuat described the policy as a turning point: “It is time Vanuatu takes full responsibility for its labour market, both locally and abroad.”
As of August 2025, Napuat continues to oversee the Labour portfolio as part of his current role in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. With responsibilities extending to immigration, civil status, decentralisation, provincial affairs, police, land transport, and the passport office, his influence remains central to how labour policies intersect with Vanuatu’s broader governance and development agenda.
Through his leadership, Andrew Napuat has become widely recognised as a labour-focused reformer, committed to protecting workers, enforcing fair employment standards, and securing international opportunities for Vanuatu’s growing workforce.
Andrew Solomon Napuat 