Immigration division opens passport office in Auki

By Alex Dadamu

Residents of Malaita can now access passport services within the province, following the opening of a new Passport Office in Auki on Thursday.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, Malaita Premier, Elijah Asilaua, and other government officials.

Mr. Johnson Oge, Chief Immigration Officer within the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration, told SIBC News that the establishment of the new office is part of the Ministry’s strategic plan to decentralize services to the provinces.

“The decentralization of immigration services, including passport services, to the provinces is a significant step forward for the government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration.”

“Malaita has become the second province, after the Western Province, where the Ministry has launched immigration and passport services.”

“The Ministry is now considering Choiseul and Temotu as the next provinces where we will establish offices,” Mr. Oge said.

Meanwhile Mr. Wilson Lebe To’ofilu was the first person to access the passport service after its opening.

He expressed his gratitude for the new service, noting that it will significantly reduce the cost of traveling to Honiara to access passport services.

“I want to thank the Ministry of Immigration for its plan to open an office here in Auki. It will reduce the expenses of traveling and staying in Honiara just to access passport services,” Mr. To’ofilu said.

The Ministry will soon expand its services at the office with visa related services.

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