Apia, 3 May 2023 (TDI): The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has started a program to strengthen Pacific Island Countries’ capability for border control and response to infectious illnesses.
IOM will collaborate closely with the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC), the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, which has received funding from the Japanese government totaling more than USD 6.9 million.
Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo, Chief Executive Officer, Samoa Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, showed their happiness for Samoa to commence this initiative. They were willing to work closely with IOM to enhance the border management system.
Keisuke Senta, the Japanese ambassador to Samoa, is confident that the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) will foster communication and collaboration among border control officials and strengthen regional unity and resiliency.
Also read: Samoas banking system remains stable amidst global banking crisis.
To better assist the Government of Samoa and Pacific regional organizations, IOM built a Country Office in Samoa.
IOM assists nations in improving governance, resilience, and sustainable development in the Blue Pacific.
IOM is dedicated to helping Pacific Island Nations respond to infectious illnesses and encourage secure migration.
This initiative received financing and ongoing support from Japan. Jacqueline Weekers hailed Japan’s assistance.
Jorn Sorensen, the UNDP Resident Representative, urges the Pacific region to take a more proactive approach to prevent future pandemics and their detrimental economic effects.
The project will help create a resilient Pacific Region that is peaceful, harmonious, secure, socially inclusive, and prosperous, guaranteeing that all people can live freely and successfully.
