Solomon Islands, Australia, and PNG collaborate on a new border management system to enhance security and economic growth.
Immigration officials from Solomon Islands, Australia, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) gathered in Honiara to advance the next phase of the new Solomon Islands Border Management System (BMS). The project was announced by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles during his visit to Honiara in May 2024.
The trilateral collaboration aims to support the development and training of a new visa system, which will be a key component of the BMS project. The initiative is expected to enhance revenue generation while ensuring border security and the safety of Solomon Islanders.
The new visa program will involve a redesign of Solomon Islands’ visa regulations to facilitate economic activity through cross-border movement while maintaining stringent border security measures.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the initiative.
“Australia is proud to be the primary border security partner in Solomon Islands, and to be working with PNG to implement this important project,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“It demonstrates the power of our three countries working together to build prosperity and security in the Pacific.”
As part of the initiative, representatives from PNG and Australia provided training to Solomon Islands Immigration Division officials. The training covered key aspects of the BMS implementation, including the establishment of new border management policies and procedures, as well as criteria for visa processing.
The collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the three nations to strengthening border security and regional economic integration.
Source: AHC
