Solomon Islands has taken a historic step forward in border security with the launch of a new Border Management System (BMS), supported by Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The launch event, attended by senior representatives from the three governments, marked a significant milestone in strengthening Solomon Islands’ border security. The new system will help establish a new revenue source and enhance immigration operations across the country.
The launch of the new system delivers on a commitment made by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, who announced Australia’s support of over SBD18 million to deliver this improved capability during a visit to Honiara last year.
The new BMS delivers critical improvements to Solomon Islands’ immigration operations. It digitises visa processing, improves passenger management, and strengthens compliance across border entry and exit points.
The benefits of the new BMS are expected to flow through to business travellers, conference attendees, athletes, and tourists, who will find it easier to visit Solomon Islands and contribute to its economic growth.
Travellers can now easily apply online for the correct visa and pay the appropriate fee, creating a more robust and sustainable revenue stream compared to the previous paper-based system.
Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel spoke at the launch event alongside the Hon Harry Kuma, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, and Acting Papua New Guinean High Commissioner Vaburi Riu.
Mr Schloeffel congratulated Solomon Islands and thanked Papua New Guinea for its participation in the trilateral project.
“This project is a demonstration that the Pacific’s regional security challenges are best addressed through cooperation between Pacific countries,’ said Mr Schloeffel. “The new BMS will be a game-changer for Solomon Islands and will deliver significant security and economic benefits.”
The event also included the launch of the Solomon Islands Immigration Division Strategic Plan 2025-2035 and a brand-new immigration website.
Beyond the BMS, Australia also recently supported the SBD1.3 million upgrade to the Solomon Islands Immigration Client Services Area, delivered entirely by local Solomon Islands construction specialists. Phase 2 of the refurbishment is already underway.
“We look forward to seeing the BMS go from strength to strength and to continued collaboration in the border security space,” Mr Schloeffel said.
