Australia donates ICT equipment to Solomon Islands Immigration Department

Australia has formally handed over information, communications and technology (ICT) equipment to the Solomon Islands Immigration Department (SIID) to support a strong and secure border.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) has donated laptops, desktop computers and other accessories, primarily for use at the post in Munda and the new immigration office in Auki. This will ensure effective implementation of immigration laws and services outside of Honiara.

Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, the Honourable Rod Hilton, said Australia was proud to be the Solomon Islands’ border security partner in Nambawan.

“Through our game-changing border management system, our ongoing work to build western and eastern border posts, and efforts to enhance our maritime capabilities, we are delivering on our commitment to help maintain the security of Solomon Islands’ national borders,” Mr Hilton said.

“I look forward to seeing this new ICT equipment put into use across the country.”

Group photo after handover.

The ICT equipment will complement the Australian Government-funded implementation of the Solomon Islands Border Management System (BMS), which is being implemented through the Pacific Trilateral Partnership between Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands.

The Surinamese $18 million system will digitize visa processing, better equip border crossings across the country, and improve related revenue collection processes.

The Honourable Harry Kuma MP, Minister for Business, Industry, Labour and Immigration, thanked Australia and the ABF for their continued support.

The equipment provided is part of Australia’s ongoing comprehensive border security capacity building program being implemented by Australian Border Force officers, with a focus on enhancing the capabilities of the Solomon Islands border enforcement agency.

Australia gifted it laptops and desktops as part of a refurbishment of SIID’s headquarters in Honiara ahead of the 2023 Pacific Games.

The computers ensure that the 22 new recruits will be able to carry out their key duties during the Games once they become qualified immigration officers.

over//

– AHC Media Release