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The Solomon Islands Government has officially launched its new Border Management System, Immigration Strategic Plan 2025-2035, and the Immigration website at a ceremony in Honiara today. The ceremony was attended by government officials, diplomats, and stakeholders including Australia and Papua New Guinea Officials at the Heritage Park Hotel. The Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Honorable Harry Kuma, said the launch marked a significant milestone in the country’s border management history. “This morning marks a significant event in our history. As Minister, I am honored to join you in officially launching these key infrastructures and policy documents, which represent major milestone achievements for the Ministry and the Government as a whole,” he said. The new Border Management System is a vital tool to control, manage, and intervene in migration movements, ensuring safe and secure Solomon Islands borders and easing of travel in and out of the country. Minister Kuma highlighted the system’s importance in addressing complex challenges such as drug trafficking, irregular migration, and transnational organised crime. “We are increasingly vulnerable to drug trafficking, irregular migration, and transnational organised crime. These complex challenges require modern technologies and a collective regional effort to address,” Minister Kuma said. The Australian Government provided SBD$18 million in funding for the Border Management System through a trilateral partnership with Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands Government. Minister Kuma expressed gratitude to the Australian Government and other partners for their support. “Your successful trilateral partnership demonstrates visionary leadership for our region,” he said. The Immigration Strategic Plan 2025-2035 and the new Immigration website are expected to support ongoing border management reforms. The plan and website will enable transparent and timely decision-making, facilitating seamless travel and strengthening border security. Minister Kuma said the new systems would help generate new revenue streams and modernise processes, improving facilitation while maintaining border security integrity. “This is a decisive step towards becoming financially and economically self-reliant,” he added. The launch of the Border Management System and Immigration Strategic Plan 2025-2035 marks a significant step towards enhancing the Solomon Islands’ border security and management capabilities. -GCU Press Release
