Australia has formally handed over information, communications and technology (ICT) equipment to Solomon Islands Immigration Division (SIID) to support strong and secure borders.
Australian Border Force (ABF) gifted laptops, desktops and other accessories to be used primarily in the outposts in Munda and the new immigration office in Auki. This will ensure the efficient application of immigration law and services in the regions outside of Honiara.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia is proud to be Solomon Islands’ nambawan border security partner.
“Through the game-changing Border Management System, our ongoing work to build the Western and Eastern Border Outposts, and efforts to boost maritime capability, we are making good on our commitment to help keep Solomon Islands’ national border safe and secure,” Mr Hilton said.
“I look forward to seeing this new ICT equipment in action across the country.”
The ICT equipment will complement the Australian-government funded implementation of a Border Management System (BMS) in the Solomon Islands which is being delivered through a Pacific trilateral partnership between Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands.
The SBD18 million system will digitise visa processing, better equip border entries and exits across the country, and improve processes for associated revenue collection.
The Honourable Harry Kuma MP, Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration thanked Australia and the ABF for the ongoing support.
The provision of this equipment forms part of Australia’s ongoing comprehensive border security capacity building program delivered by in-country ABF officers, focusing on improving the capability of Solomon Islands border enforcement agencies.
Ahead of the 2023 Pacific Games, Australia gifted laptops and desktops that as part of a refurbishment of SIID headquarters in Honiara.
These computers ensured 22 new recruits were able to perform their critical functions during the Games after becoming qualified Immigration officers.
– AHC
