Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP announces Australia’s support to boost Solomon Islands’ security and economy with a new Border Management System.
AUSTRALIAN Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, has announced Australia’s support to boost Solomon Islands’ security and economy with a new Border Management System, delivered through a Pacific trilateral partnership between Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands.
Australia will contribute over SBD18 million to establish a new Border Management System, which will ensure Solomon Islands can maximise the economic benefits of migration while maintaining the integrity and security of its borders.
The system will provide a game-changing upgrade to Solomon Islands’ immigration operations by digitising visa processing, border entries and exits across the country, and improving processes for increased revenue collection.
Mr Marles made the announcement today alongside Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Hon. Jimson Tanangada, and Papua New Guinea High Commissioner His Excellency Moses Kaul.
“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,” Mr Marles said.
“The new system will mean the Solomon Islands Government can collect revenue from its visa processing operations, and provide more flexible visa products to boost economic activity from international commerce and the tourism sector”.
Work is already underway, with PNG immigration officers having led a trilateral workshop in April in Honiara to develop a work plan for the system’s implementation.
The new Border Management System is scheduled to be fully implemented by mid-2025.
AHC PRESS
