PALM Scheme Employer Guide
Your Complete Guide to Becoming a PALM Scheme Approved Employer
Everything Australian employers need to know — simplified, actionable, and compliance-ready.
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The Opportunity
Australia's Workforce Crisis Is Driving Record Demand for Pacific Workers
Onshore PALM Workers
Growth Since 2020
Pacific Island Nations
Approved Employers
Watch how the PALM Scheme helped an Australian Aged Care Provider
About the Scheme
What Is the PALM Scheme?
Hire workers from 10 Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste for roles across agriculture, meat processing, hospitality, aged care, and more. The scheme offers two streams:
Short-Term Stream
Up to 9 months. Ideal for seasonal agriculture, horticulture, and tourism peaks.
Long-Term Stream
1–4 years. Covers all ANZSCO Level 4–5 roles across any industry.
Are You Eligible?
Eligibility Requirements for Approved Employers
Lawfully Operating
Active ABN, no adverse legal history, financially viable, and compliant with all Australian workplace laws.
Experience
Labour Hire: 5 years recruiting. Direct Employers: 12+ months operating in the industry.
Workplace Compliance
No outstanding FWO claims, compliant with WHS laws, and appropriate insurance coverage.
Accommodation Ready
Suitable housing meeting PALM standards, documented Accommodation Plan, and costs at or below market rate.
Welfare Support
Dedicated Welfare Support Person, documented Welfare Plan, and 24/7 emergency contact availability.
Fair Pay Guarantee
Minimum 30 hours/week guaranteed, Award rates or above, and transparent payslips.
6-Step Process
Your Roadmap to Becoming an Approved Employer
Approved Employer Application
Submit application via PALMIS portal with supporting documents: ABN, insurance, financial statements, Accommodation Plan, and Welfare Plan.
Execute the Deed of Agreement
Sign the legally binding Deed with the Australian Government. This outlines all your obligations as a PALM Scheme employer.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Advertise the role for 14 days on Workforce Australia. Demonstrate genuine effort to recruit Australian workers first.
Submit Recruitment Request
Lodge a Recruitment Request through PALMIS specifying the number of workers, roles, and sending countries.
Visa Application
Workers apply for Subclass 403 visa. Employer provides sponsorship documentation and supports the application process.
Worker Arrival & Onboarding
Arrange flights, airport transfers, accommodation, and conduct comprehensive orientation within 5 days of arrival.
Your Obligations
Key Obligations for Approved Employers
Once approved, you must meet ongoing obligations across accommodation, welfare, pay, and reporting.
Accommodation
Provide suitable housing at or below market rate. Submit Accommodation Plans and maintain standards throughout.
Welfare & Wellbeing
Appoint a Welfare Support Person, conduct regular check-ins, and provide 24/7 emergency contact.
Pay & Conditions
Guarantee minimum 30 hours/week, pay Award rates, and provide transparent payslips.
Orientation
Deliver comprehensive orientation within 5 days covering rights, safety, accommodation, and local services.
Flights & Transport
International flights and domestic transfers. Costs recoverable through lawful deductions over 12+ weeks.
Reporting & Records
Report arrivals, departures, incidents, pay data. Maintain accurate records for 7 years.
Wage Deductions — Know the Rules
Understanding what you can and cannot deduct is critical for PALM Scheme compliance.
Permitted Deductions
- Airfares & visa processing costs
- Health insurance & accommodation
- Cash advance (min $200 offered)
Prohibited Deductions
- Recruitment or migration agent fees
- Uniforms, PPE, or branded clothing
- Training or admin expenses
Compliance & Risk
DEWR's 3-Pillar Assurance Framework
Employers are actively monitored through prevention, detection, and correction.
Prevention & Deterrence
- Clear Deed obligations
- Pre-approval checks
- Mandatory plans and documentation
Detection
- Announced & unannounced site visits
- Desktop audits & payroll reviews
- Complaints & tip-off responses
Correction
- Corrective directions & action plans
- Recruitment caps & limits
- Scheme removal for serious breaches
5 Costly Mistakes That Trip Up Even Experienced Employers
Avoid these common compliance pitfalls that lead to penalties, caps, and scheme removal.
Inadequate Labour Market Testing
Failing to advertise for 14+ days on Workforce Australia platform.
Accommodation Non-Compliance
Substandard properties, costs above market rate, or missing Accommodation Plans.
Unlawful Wage Deductions
Deducting for recruitment costs, admin fees, or branded clothing.
Welfare Failures
No Welfare Support Person, missing check-ins, or no 24/7 contact.
Reporting Gaps
Late reports, failure to notify changes, or incomplete data.
Average Cost Per Compliance Breach
Including penalties, legal fees, remediation, and lost productivity. Serious breaches can result in scheme removal and referral to Fair Work Ombudsman, ABF, or ATO.
Why Helix Plus
The Only PALM Specialist That Combines Migration Expertise with Recruitment
Every other PALM Scheme agency is a recruiter first. Helix Plus is a Registered Migration Agent first, with RCSA membership and QEAC accreditation. We can legally advise on visa strategy, handle DAMA endorsements, manage sponsorship renewals, and oversee the full compliance lifecycle.
Migration Compliance Audit
A proactive compliance audit reviews your entire PALM Scheme operation against the Deed obligations — accommodation, wages, deductions, welfare, reporting, and record-keeping. It identifies gaps before they become breaches.
- Comprehensive 20-point audit by Registered Migration Agents
- Identifies risks before DEWR monitoring visits
- Prioritised remediation roadmap
- Strengthens future Recruitment Applications
Point Compliance Audit
Conducted by Registered Migration Agents who understand both immigration and employment law.
End-to-End Support for PALM Employers
Approved Employer Application
Deed execution, PALMIS registration, Accommodation Plans, Welfare Plans, and Labour Market Testing guidance.
Migration Compliance Audit
20-point audit reviewing every Deed obligation with a prioritised remediation roadmap.
Visa & Sponsorship Management
TAS applications, visa lodgements, sponsorship renewals, and Home Affairs liaison.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Compliant records, DEWR monitoring visit preparation, and recruitment condition changes.
Multi-Pathway Strategy
PALM, DAMA agreements, Subclass 482 visas — all skilled migration pathways under one roof.
Dedicated Advisory
Your strategic partner protecting your business from regulatory risk — not just a supplier of workers.
Start Your PALM Scheme Journey with a
Free Strategy Call
Whether you're a new employer exploring the PALM Scheme or an existing approved employer facing compliance challenges, Helix Plus can help you navigate every step.
Our free 30-minute strategy call assesses your situation, identifies the right pathway, and provides a clear scope of work — no jargon, no hidden fees.
Discover how the PALM Scheme can help your business!