Papua New Guinea currently under the Labour Mobility Scheme has increased its number of overseas workers to 1769, increased over 1,000 percent since 2019. Minister for Treasury Ian Ling-Stuckey emphasized that the World Bank has estimated US$ 794billion brought back to the country from overseas Countries which is equivalent to K3 trillion, or K3 thousand billion, nearly 30 times the entire size of the PNG economy. These payments back home also known as ‘remittances’ have been evident to ease poverty, improve nutrition, and even increase school enrollment rates. “Currently PNG has 1769 overseas workers, whilst in 2019, PNG had a total of 154 overseas workers." "This is a pleasant increase of over 1,000 percent in just five years.” “We have announced our plans to raise the number of workers during the Annual PNG-Australia Ministerial forum on Wednesday, increase from the target of 8,000 to at least 15,000 workers in 5 years." "This would contribute to the 1000 percent increase of over the last five years, with a further 1000 percent increase over the next five years.” “A detailed Joint Plan Scale up Labour Mobility will support this continuing rapid expansion, involving integrations to strengthen and ensure a dependable supply of work-ready participants and to aid establish demand through targeted skills investments,” stated Minister Ling-Stuckey. Minister Ling-Stuckey further stated that, “this these announcements are according to a previous meeting with Division head in Australia’s Department for foreign Affairs Ms. Jan Hutton also managing the pathway program allowing PNG workers to travel to Australia, among other members of the Australian High Commission. "Australia was very positive about the growth in PNG’s participation in the scheme and outlined the increase in funding from Australian Government’s never-ending support provided to strengthen the program.” Furthermore, he added how good it was to hear the positive stories of how our workers have been contributing to communities, both at home and in Australia. The vast majority do a good job and enjoy their experiences. However, the occasional reports of our workers being charged with crimes in Australia is of great concern and damage our reputation. "We must work harder to ensure all of our workers will contribute positively and promote PNG’s reputation as a country that has good, genuine, hard-working people." Meanwhile, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong picked up on this important comment, highlighting the importance of the “social license” in being able to be welcomed to community’s overseas and emerging opportunities. “Currently, most of our workers are in the areas of farming, meat works and aged care." "The deliberations also discussed new and emerging areas which could be of interest to PNG." "There are new opportunities emerging in childcare, mining administration and hospitality.” “The new target of over 15,000 workers overseas at any one time is another step in our overall approach to creating more and better jobs for our young people,” stated the Minister.