A delegation from the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) led by Permanent Secretary, Mr Riley Mesepitu attended a significant discussion on border management systems in Canberra and Brisbane from 14 to 20 October 2024.
The focus of the meeting was the progress of the new Border Management System (BMS), funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs.
The delegation included BMS Project Leader for the Solomon Islands Immigration Division, Arnold Horesi, and Moses Maneiria, overseeing the legislative and policy aspects of the BMS Project.
The team attended the first session with MERIT Technology, which showcased its high-quality work in the Pacific region, including Samoa and Papua New Guinea, receiving exceptional feedback.
Permanent Secretary Mesepitu acknowledged the substantial support from the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (PNG ICSA) in providing ongoing training for SIID officers on the new BMS system. It was announced during the Canberra meeting that PNG ICSA would send delegates to the Solomon Islands for ongoing change management training from 21 October 2024 to 23 October 2024. This training aims to build the capacity of SIID officers in managing and operating the new Border Management System.
The Deputy Chief Migration Officer for PNG ICSA, Mr. Clarence Parisau, confirmed that on 11 November, PNG ICSA delegates would visit the Solomon Islands to demonstrate the new BMS to the SIID team.
The SIID delegates expressed their gratitude for being part of the consultation, as the project is expected to generate revenue for the Solomon Islands Government and enhance border security.
PS Mesepitu highlighted that the new BMS system would pave the way for a digitized visa regime, enabling online applications and payments. He recommended implementing the new visa regime as soon as practicable, depending on workforce availability.
Mesepitu is ambitious about driving the BMS project forward, considering it a priority for the GNUT Government as part of the 100-day policy, with the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour, and Immigration leading the initiative.
Further emphasis was made on the progress made by his Ministry in reviewing the Immigration Act, noting that a nationwide consultation has been completed, resulting in a draft and policy now in place.
Mesepitu stated that the new Immigration Act is designed to support a modernized visa regime, currently under discussion, to streamline travel processes. The Act, along with its regulations, will integrate effectively with the new Border Management System (BMS), which will enhance capabilities such as visa processing, monitoring of people’s movements, and generating revenue for the Solomon Islands government, while strengthening national security.
Mesepitu expressed that the BMS and the new Immigration Act will complement each other and will align effectively to achieve these goals.
On 16 October 2024, the SIID delegates attended a high-level discussion at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra to discuss border security in the Pacific region. Representatives emphasized the need for collaboration among the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Australia through information sharing and case referrals.
Mesepitu acknowledged the support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, which approved the provision of essential equipment, including computers and laptops, to support the daily operations of the Solomon Islands Immigration Division.
The visit concluded on 18 October 2024 with the Permanent Secretary and SIID officers touring Brisbane Home Affairs. They received an in-depth overview of the BMS system from Home Affairs experts and visited Brisbane International Airport to observe real-time operations. Positive feedback from the consultation has encouraged the SIID team, who now look forward to installing the new BMS system in 2025.
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-GCU
