Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Ishmael Mali Avui, MBE, with senior officials from New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) during discussions in Wellington on strengthening labour mobility and consular cooperation.
Solomon Islands High Commissioner Meets with MBIE and Immigration New Zealand to Strengthen Labour Mobility and Consular Cooperation
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Ishmael Mali Avui, MBE, met with senior officials from New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in Wellington on 29 July 2026 to strengthen cooperation on labour mobility, consular support, and immigration matters.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, improving support services for Solomon Islands citizens in New Zealand, and addressing visa and immigration matters affecting Solomon Islands nationals.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the Solomon Islands High Commission, MBIE, and INZ during worker engagement activities and roadshows. These provide important opportunities to encourage Solomon Islands workers to prioritise their health and safety, maintain positive workplace relationships, and make the most of employment opportunities available through the RSE Scheme.
Key areas discussed included:
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme
- Strengthening worker welfare, pastoral care, and pre-departure training;
- Exploring opportunities to increase Solomon Islands participation in the RSE Scheme; and
- Supporting better outcomes for workers throughout their employment journey in New Zealand.
Consular and Immigration Support
- Improving coordination on visa processing and passport-related matters;
- Enhancing information sharing to better support Solomon Islands citizens living in or travelling to New Zealand; and
- Strengthening cooperation on emerging immigration issues affecting Solomon Islands nationals.
Return and Reintegration
- Exploring ways to support returning RSE workers to maximise the benefits of their skills, experiences, and remittances for families, communities, and national development.
His Excellency Avui acknowledged the strong and enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and New Zealand and thanked MBIE and INZ for their continued support in promoting the wellbeing and fair treatment of Solomon Islands workers.
“The RSE Scheme continues to be an important pathway for our people to gain valuable skills, earn income, and contribute to the development of Solomon Islands,” High Commissioner Avui said.
“We appreciate New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Pacific workers and maintaining high standards of worker welfare. We look forward to continuing to strengthen this important partnership.”
MBIE and INZ officials reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to the Pacific and to working closely with the Solomon Islands High Commission in New Zealand to address shared challenges and maximise opportunities arising from labour mobility arrangements.
The Solomon Islands High Commission will continue working collaboratively with relevant government agencies in both countries to implement the outcomes of the meeting and further strengthen cooperation in labour mobility, consular services, and people-to-people links between Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
-MFAET PRESS RELEASE