Vietnamese Workers in New Hebrides: Colonial Legacy and Cultural Integration

Following World War II, the French colonial administration initiated the repatriation of Vietnamese indentured workers from New Hebrides, now known as Vanuatu. Many of these workers had been recruited to support the French colonies' agricultural and infrastructure projects. The repatriation process occurred in several waves over a period of approximately seventeen years. Although the majority of workers returned to their homeland, not all opted to leave. A segment of the Vietnamese labor force chose to stay in New Hebrides, integrating into the local culture and forming a small, distinct Vietnamese community. This decision to remain was influenced by various factors including economic opportunities, established relationships, and the hardships of returning to post-war Vietnam. Today, the Vietnamese influence in Vanuatu is seen in aspects of the local cuisine, traditions, and community structures. The legacy of these workers continues to be part of Vanuatu's multicultural heritage.