The Government of Samoa received a significant upgrade to its border management system on January 25, 2024, with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) donating state-of-the-art equipment, including database servers and UPS machines.
This upgrade, worth 124,000 Samoan Tala (approximately USD 46,000), includes three database servers boasting extensive data storage and high-speed processing abilities, along with two UPS machines to ensure uninterrupted power supply. Funded by the Japanese Government, this initiative is part of IOM Samoa’s regional project, focusing on assisting Pacific nations in socio-economic recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic, particularly emphasising safe and efficient border management.
During the ceremony, Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, HE Mr. Keisuke Senta, expressed his contentment at seeing the project come to fruition. He highlighted the Japanese government’s commitment to supporting Samoa’s safety and prosperity. The new border management system is designed to enhance the monitoring of individuals entering and exiting Samoa. It will provide real-time processing and analysis of traveler information, thereby strengthening border control and law enforcement operations.
Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, emphasised the critical nature of this hardware for the planned upgrades to Samoa’s border management system, particularly in light of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October 2024. He also extended gratitude to the Japanese Government for their longstanding support and partnership.
The upgraded system is not only expected to improve border control but also to facilitate the protection of migrants and aid in evidence-based policy making. Moreover, it aligns with Samoa’s strategic goal of achieving Security and Trusted Governance as outlined in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (2021/22 – 2025/26) and supports the Peace and Security Thematic Area of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
For additional information on this development, contact Valavala Siaopo Pese, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Immigration Division, at [email protected] or Kazumi Nakamura at the IOM Samoa Office at [email protected].
