The first group of 60 Samoan workers to take part in a pilot seasonal work scheme in Australia has been selected.
15,000 applications were lodged for the six-month-long seasonal jobs in South Australia to pick oranges.
A source in the Samoa Prime Minister's Office says the airfares for the first group will be met by the employer, with the workers to pay this back from their earnings.
As many as 500 Samoans are expected to eventually work in Australia under the short term labour scheme.
The Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, is scheduled to address the first group tomorrow to give them advice and encouragement before they leave the country.
