Fiji, Dec. 11 -- The Australia Institute says labour mobility schemes are worsening the health workforce crisis in the Pacific, with registered nurses and other skilled workers leaving for lower-skilled personal care jobs in Australia and New Zealand.

The report says "labour mobility is a significant contributor to Pacific Islands' economies," but warns the expansion of temporary migration schemes into aged care has led to the loss of skilled health workers from Pacific Island countries.

It says workers on temporary visas "are vulnerable to being underpaid and exploited, due to their visa status" and calls for reform of labour migration systems and stronger consultation with workers.

Fiji continues to face major labour market pressures...