The Solomon Islands-Papua New Guinea (SI-PNG) Immigration and Citizenship Authority today launched the Travel Entry Capture App in Honiara.
Papua New Guinea government presented the app to the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Immigration.
This innovative application, conceptualized and developed by the Papua New Guinea government, holds a specific purpose – to provide essential assistance to the Solomon Islands Immigration for the impending Pacific Games due to kick-off in November this year.
Stannis Hulahau, Chief Immigration Officer of Papua New Guinea, currently in the Solomon Islands, explained the app will revolutionize the processing of a significant influx of participants for the Pacific Games.
“The app will play a pivotal role in expediting the processing tasks carried out by local immigration officers,” Hulahau said.
“Its efficiency will be especially beneficial in handling the arrivals and departures of regional athletes participating in the games,” he added.
Stannis Hulahau, Chief Immigration Officer of Papua New Guinea
He further noted that the app signifies a transition from traditional paper-based processing methods to modern electronic immigration procedures.
To ensure effective utilization, a team from the Papua New Guinea Immigration Department is scheduled to arrive next week to provide comprehensive training for local immigration officers in operating the app.
“The app serves a dual purpose – streamlining travel procedures and fortifying border security,” explained Chris Akosawa, Director for Immigration.
He highlighted the timeliness of the app’s implementation and the intention to integrate it into a broader Border Management System.
“This long-term plan envisions an electronic management framework that not only supports entry processes but also contributes to economic growth through accelerated revenue generation, aided by online visa application processes,” Akosawa said.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Immigration, Riley Mesepitu, expressed immense significance, stating, “This marks a historic milestone for the Solomon Islands Immigration.”
Mesepitu extended gratitude for the support provided by the Papua New Guinea Government, underscoring that the Travel Entry Capture App is a direct result of the joint endeavors between the two nations.
Earlier this year, the Governments of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea solidified their cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on Immigration Border Security.
The MOU aims to bolster and fortify border security measures. Integral to this agreement is Papua New Guinea’s commitment to assist the Solomon Islands Government in ensuring successful hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games.
The app was earlier used by PNG in its hosting 2015 Pacific Games as well as the Hosting of the APEC Summit in 2018.