Solomon Islands’ Border Management System (BMS) set for launch in June
BY NED GAGAHE
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration (MCILI), Riley Mesepitu, has confirmed that work on the Border Management System (BMS) is progressing well and is on track for launch around June this year.
In an interview with this paper Mr Mesepitu said the BMS, which is a merit-based system similar to the one used by Papua New Guinea (PNG) Immigration, is being established with the support of PNG Immigration.
“The new system promises to significantly enhance the efficiency, security, and reliability of operations in the Solomon Islands, improving the country’s ability to manage incoming immigrants more effectively.
“Currently, immigration operations are managed manually, which has proven challenging in terms of efficiency and accuracy. However, once the BMS is implemented, it will streamline operations, enabling immigration officials to track foreigners entering and leaving the country with greater ease. This will also make the process of managing incoming immigrants much smoother and more efficient.
“Another key benefit of the new BMS is its potential to improve revenue collection. At present, visas are issued on arrival, but once the system is in place, visa applications will be processed and issued online. This transition is expected to greatly enhance the overall system, making visa management more efficient and reducing the need for manual processes.” PS Mesepitu said.
He adds that the system will also provide real-time data on the movement of foreigners, helping immigration authorities track arrivals and departures, ensuring that individuals leave the country within the required time frame.
The Permanent Secretary said despite the progress, there are still some challenges to overcome, including technical issues related to internet connectivity and the need for backup services.
“To address these concerns, the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) ICT team is working closely with technical experts from PNG and the Australian Border Force. Together, they are ensuring that the system functions effectively in the local context and that immigration officers are properly trained to use the new system once it is launched.
Mesepitu stated that the team remains optimistic about the system’s potential and anticipates that the full operational launch will take place in June.
“In the meantime, testing continues to refine the system and ensure its readiness to deliver improved immigration management for the Solomon Islands.
This month, immigration officers from the Solomon Islands, Australia, and PNG gathered in Honiara for the next phase of the project, which includes the development and training for a new visa system.
The revamped visa regulations aim to better manage the movement of people across borders, while enhancing safety and security.
This collaboration among the three nations is aimed at boosting both border security and economic prosperity in the Pacific region.
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