Solomon Islands Immigration Division (SIID) and Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA) has successfully hosted a two day bilateral meeting on Border Management System (BMS) in Port Moresby from 08th to 09th April 2024.
The meeting focused on discussions to chart out a plan to assist Solomon Islands Immigration introducing a Border Management System (BMS) that would effectively regulate movements and strengthen border security.
Speaking at the closing of the meeting, PNG Deputy Prime Minister Honorable John Rosso, MP has commended the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (ICSA) for hosting the meeting with the Solomon Islands Immigration Division within the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
The Deputy Prime Minister Rosso who is also the Minister for Immigration and Border Security said the Pacific ocean is fast becoming a trading route for transnational criminals and illegal border crossers and he is committed to elevate Papua New Guinea’ interests for a safe and secure Pacific by ensure Pacific Island States including the Solomon Islands have access to a robust Border Management System that effectively monitors movements at all designated points of entry.
He said the two-days meeting is important as the two agencies discussed capacity-building options and to map out the foundations to collaboratively explore, identify and select a Border Management System for the Solomon Islands.
Minister Rosso said the PNG Government through ICSA has provided technical support and IT Technologies to the SIID during the Pacific Games last year and will continue the same commitment to support these initiatives to improve border security in the region.
“PNG ICSA will assist to provide technical support to help Solomon Islands Immigration identify and procure a reliable and effective BMS system for them. At the end, we would be satisfied that a safer Solomon Islands would mean a safer PNG as we share a common maritime border,” said Minister Rosso.
Acting Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu, explains that the proposal to procure a BMS system for the Solomon Islands Immigration will be funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Home Affairs Department. However, due to the sufficient experiences, technical and an existing MOU between ICSA and SIID, the Home Affairs Department has offered the tasks to ICSA to take the leadership role to assist Solomon Islands procure their first BMS. Acting Director of Immigration, Mr Christopher Akosawa and Deputy Secretary (Administration and Planning) attended the bilateral engagement with PNG ICSA in Port Moresby.
“The ICSA viewed this joint bilateral relationship as crucial for both countries in managing cross-border movements, generating economic growth of both countries as well as improving border security in the region. Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea shared common-borders with each other, which need collaboration with other’s border security,” said Navasivu.
Solomon Islands Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Deputy Secretary, Mr. Hunter Masuguria expressed his gratitude to ICSA and the Australian Home Affairs for assisting them with technical expertise to introduce BMS for the Solomon Islands Immigration Division.
Mr Masuguria emphasized on the importance of having the BMS operational in Honiara to monitor movements and alerts, enforce compliance, strengthen border security and raise revenue for the government.
The bilateral discussions in Solomon Islands Immigration BMS resulted in PNG ICSA task to assist Solomon Islands Immigration Division developing work plan for the BMS implementation programs.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton in a letter to Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration on the 20th February 2024 confirmed Australian Government funding project for SI Immigration Division border management system.
The SI Immigration BMS will help to streamline visa process, ease travels, provide functionalities to protect SI borders and increasing revenues for the government and strengthen border protection and border security.
SIID and PNG ICSA will continue to expedite the BMS process’ theory of change and confirmed to conduct two days’ workshop in Honiara on 22nd – 23rd April 2024.
The two days’ workshop is to finalize work plan on the BMS and will be attended by PNG ICSA, SI Immigration Division, stakeholders and Department of Home Affairs in Honiara.
Acting Director of SI Immigration, Mr Christopher Akosawa acknowledged PNG ICSA and Australian Department of Home Affairs as genuine partners working with to support Solomon Islands border developments.
ENDS