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By Alex Dadamu
Malaita residents can now enjoy passport services within the province following the opening of a new passport office in Oki on Thursday.
The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua and other government officials.
Mr Johnson Oge, Chief Immigration Officer at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, told SIBC News that the establishment of the new office is part of the ministry’s strategic plan to decentralise services to the provinces.
“Decentralising immigration services, including passport services, to the provinces is an important step forward for the government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.”
Chief Immigration Officer Johnson Ogg
“Malaita Province has become the second province after Western Province where the Ministry has launched immigration and passport services.”
“Currently, the ministry is looking at setting up offices in Chowasel and Temotu provinces,” Mr Oge said.
Meanwhile, Mr Wilson Lebe Toofilu was the first person to use the passport service after its launch.
He expressed gratitude for the new service, noting that it would significantly reduce the cost of travelling to Honiara for passport services.
“I would like to thank the Department of Immigration for its plan to open an office in Auki. This will reduce the cost of travelling to and staying in Honiara just to obtain passport services,” Mr Toofilu said.
The ministry will soon expand the office’s services to include visa-related services.
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