SI Border Management System Project Progresses with Australian and PNG Support

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A joint team from the Solomon Islands, Australia, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) worked closely this week to progress the Border Management System (BMS) project.

Australia is proud to be funding the SBD 18 million trilateral BMS project, which will boost the Solomon Islands’ prosperity and security, simplify the visa application process, and facilitate the movement of people across the border.

The project is being implemented trilaterally, with Australia providing funding and technical expertise and PNG—which already uses the same system—providing in-depth knowledge of the visa and travel facilitation process.

(from L to R): Senior officials Mr Jim Anderson, Regional Director Pacific, Australian Department of Home Affairs, Mr Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration , Ms Lidnsay Buckingham, Minister-Counsellor, Australian High Commission Honiara, Mr Chris Akosawa, Acting Director Solomon Islands Immigration Division, Mr Clarence Parisau, Deputy Chief Migration Officer, PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority

“The BMS is a game-changer for Solomon Islands’ border management,” His Excellency Rod Hilton, High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, said today.

“It means the Solomon Islands will be able to both reap the economic benefits that come with the large numbers of visitors who want to travel to the country while ensuring a high level of border security is maintained.”

In addition to boosting the Solomon Islands’ border capability, the new system will allow border officers to collaborate closely with border officers in other countries in the Pacific that use the same system, including PNG.

MERIT Business Analyst Roshan Bandara demonstrated the system to officials from the Solomon Islands, Australia, and PNG.
The team conducted workshops and technical tests throughout the week to calibrate the system's hardware and processes, including a demonstration to senior officials from the Solomon Islands, Australia, and PNG (pictured).

MERIT Business Analyst Roshan Bandara demonstrated the system to Solomon Islands, Australia, and PNG officials.

“This project is a great example of Pacific countries working together to meet shared economic and security needs. We look forward to the successful implementation of the BMS and seeing it in action in 2025,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

Media Release | AHC

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