After months of anxiety and delays caused by escalating conflict in the Middle East, five Solomon Islands students studying in Israel are finally making their journey home, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Honiara has confirmed in a statement.

The students had been enrolled at the Arava International Centre for Agricultural Training (AICAT) in southern Israel, where they were undertaking hands-on training in advanced agriculture techniques—skills intended to contribute to Solomon Islands’ long-term development goals.

Their return was halted for several weeks due to regional instability and travel restrictions. Now, with the situation in Israel slowly improving, the students are en route to Honiara via a complex multi-leg route from Tel Aviv to Dubai, then Brisbane, Munda, and finally Honiara.

They are expected to arrive on Friday, 4th July 2025.

In the statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka, praised the resilience of the students and the tireless efforts of those who made their return possible.

“Our students have shown tremendous courage during this difficult time. We thank the Government of Israel and AICAT for their support, and commend Ambassador Cornelius Walegerea for his unwavering commitment,” Minister Agovaka said.

In Dubai, the students were greeted by Solomon Islands’ Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Cornelius Walegerea, who stayed in close contact with them throughout the crisis. He confirmed they were in good health and high spirits, eager to reunite with their families.

Behind the scenes, the Solomon Islands Embassy in Abu Dhabi had been actively monitoring the situation in Israel, maintaining regular communication with the students, and coordinating their safe passage.

For the five returning students, the journey ends where it began—at home.