Australia Commits SBD18 Million to New Border Management System for Solomon Islands – a Collaboration Between Australia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, announced Australia’s support for the new border management system for the Solomon Islands during his recent visit to Honiara. Marles stated that Australia will provide over SBD18 million to establish this new border management system (BMS). This initiative is part of the Immigration Division’s reforms and restructuring aimed at improving service delivery.
Marles made the announcement alongside Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner, Moses Kaul. The BMS is delivered through a Pacific trilateral partnership between Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
“It is fantastic to see three Pacific partners come together to ensure that our mutual security and prosperity can be advanced with this project, demonstrating that our region is stronger when we work together to solve our collective challenges,” Marles said.
The new system will enable the government to streamline its visa processing operations and provide more flexible visa products, which are expected to boost economic activity from international commerce and the tourism sector. Other reforms include the decentralization of passport services to the provinces and the implementation of training programs for staff.
Work is already underway, with PNG immigration officers having led a trilateral workshop in April in Honiara subsequently with a meeting in Port Moresby, also in April to develop a work plan for the system’s implementation. The new border management system is scheduled to be implemented by mid-2025.
