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SI Immigration gets support

SI Immigration Division gets support from PNG Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority on Border Management System.

 

Solomon Islands Immigration Division (SIID) and PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (PNG ICSA) successfully conducted a two days border management system (BMS) workshop with Solomon Islands national stakeholders in Honiara from 22nd – 23rd April 2024.

The BMS workshop is a follow-up consultation with the Solomon Islands national stakeholders socialising with Foreign Investment, Labour, Police, Information Communication, Technology Service Unit and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade on the SIID proposed BMS project.

Solomon Islands is developing a new visa regime, which will be implemented soon and to go online to support investment, facilitate travels, trade and tourism.

The SI BMS project is one of the Immigration priorities for 2024 – 2026, which the Australian Government has approved funding for it earlier this year.

The project will help SIID to better manage the country’s borders and streamline investment, employment, visas processes, easing travels for investors, businesses and tourists wishing to apply for visa online.

The two days workshop allowed SIID and PNG ICSA to unpack the BMS functionalities for participants to understand why we need a border management system for Solomon Islands.

Supervising Permanent Secretary, Mr Hunter Masuguria, acknowledged the Australian and PNG Government for taking the lead to support SI Immigration.

PNG ICSA was tasked to support SIID in developing and implementing the BMS work plan for the Solomon Islands.

In his response, the PNG Acting Chief Migration Officer, Mr Wellington Navasivu, reiterated PNG ICSA commitment to supporting SIID to develop its border management system.

Acting Director of Immigration, Mr Chris Akosawa acknowledged the presence of the BMS workshop participants.

PNG ICSA is implementing a similar border system, Merit System, which uses their expertise, knowledge and experiences of rolling out the Merit Border System.

Mr Akosawa confirmed the PNG ICSA’s assistance including preparation and training development for Immigration officials on the BMS.

SIID is ambitious about rolling out a robust electronic border management system in which all entries and exits of Solomon Islands to be digitized; ensuring to keep our borders safe and secured.

PNG ICSA assistance includes assessment and scoping exercise on existing Solomon Islands Government infrastructure.

Mr Alfred Amos, PNG ICSA Infrastructure officer, confirmed that he was satisfied with the SI ICTSU existing infrastructures that would be supportive to the SI Immigration Border Management System.

PNG ICSA has an ongoing support for SI Immigration under an MOU on border security and cooperation signed in 2023.

The SIID is looking forward for the BMS’s first phase implementation in mid-year 2024 and anticipating for SI Visas.

ENDS///

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webmaster March 24, 2025 0
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Departments

DFAT handover MERIT Equipment

The Solomon Islands is implementing a new Border Management System (BMS) with support from Australia and PNG, aiming to improve border security, streamline processes, and boost economic activity through easier travel and investment. 
 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
  • Purpose of the BMS:
    The BMS is designed to enhance Solomon Islands’ border management capabilities, facilitating the movement of people and goods while maintaining security. 
     
  • Key Features and Benefits:
    • Improved Border Security: The system will help monitor and manage borders against irregular migration, drug smuggling, and other security threats. 
       
    • Streamlined Processes: The BMS aims to simplify visa applications, investment processes, and trade facilitation, making it easier for businesses and tourists to travel and conduct business in Solomon Islands. 
       
    • Economic Growth: By facilitating travel and investment, the BMS is expected to boost tourism, trade, and revenue generation. 
       
    • Online Visa System: The BMS will pave the way for online visa processing, allowing for easier and more efficient visa applications. 
       
    • Collaboration with Pacific Partners: The system will enable border officers to collaborate with other countries in the Pacific that use the same system, including PNG. 
       
  • Implementation and Support:
    • The project is a joint effort between Solomon Islands, Australia, and PNG. 
       
    • Australia is providing funding and expertise for the BMS project. 
       
    • PNG is also supporting the implementation of the BMS and is tasked with supporting SIID in developing and implementing the BMS work plan. 
       
    • PNG and Australian representatives delivered training to Solomon Islands Immigration Division officials on key topics relevant to the implementation of the new BMS. 
       
  • Timeline:
    The BMS project is a priority for the Solomon Islands Immigration Division for 2024-2026. The first phase of implementation was expected in mid-2024. The new visa regime is anticipated to go live with the online visa system towards the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025. 
     
  • Examples of Support:
    • The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs approved the provision of essential equipment, including computers and laptops, to support the daily operations of the Solomon Islands Immigration Division. 
       
    • PNG ICSA sent delegates to the Solomon Islands for ongoing change management training. 

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webmaster July 18, 2024 0