Seasonal Worker Programs: A Four‐Country Comparison

Stephen Howes

Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, 2026, vol. 13, issue 2

Abstract: This paper compares the seasonal worker programs of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. All four programs have experienced rapid growth over the last decade, and they have all become significant parts of their countriesʼ agricultural labour forces. But they have also all become more controversial over time, with accusations growing that these programs are both intrinsically and in practice exploitative. Since the programs have become both bigger and more controversial, not surprisingly they have all become more tightly regulated to better protect workers. What impact this greater level of regulation will have on scheme growth remains to be seen, but there is a risk that greater regulation will lead to lower or even negative growth. The article concludes with several recommendations drawn from the authors of the country studies in this special collection for ways to protect workers while containing costs to employers.

Date: 2026
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