SAMOA IMMIGRATION RECEIVES UPGRADED BORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT FROM IOM WITH SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa – 26 September 2025] – Samoa Immigration marked a significant milestone with the official handover of a newly upgraded Border Management System (BMS) and a suite of advanced equipment from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), made possible through the generous support of the Government of Japan.

This upgrade is part of a wider regional initiative to strengthen border management capacity across Pacific Island countries. In Samoa, the project centred on modernising the country’s BMS, which serves as the backbone of migration management and plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient border operations – reflecting the strong commitment and dedication of all parties involved.

The upgraded system introduces a range of enhanced capabilities, including integrated passport issuance, strengthened citizenship management, and a new online visa application platform, which together reinforce the integrity and security of Samoa’s migration processes. The system also provides advanced case management and alert management functions, greatly improving risk profiling and intelligence. By streamlining the processing of applications and traveller movements, the system enables immigration officers to focus on priority and high-risk cases while ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

With the increasing need for stronger border security in Samoa and the wider Pacific region, the upgraded system will provide timely and accurate data to support decision-making, facilitate early risk detection, and improve coordination during public health emergencies or other crises. Ultimately, these improvements will not only bolster Samoa’s capacity to manage borders securely but also facilitate smoother travel and trade, benefiting the tourism sector and the more than 500,000 travellers who pass through Samoa’s border crossing points annually.

As part of the handover, Samoa Immigration also received new workstations, passport scanners, document examination tools, uniforms, and equipment for seaport operations. The total value of equipment and BMS updates handed over on 26 September 2025 amounts to WST 1,268,526, with the overall project investment reaching WST 1,544,039.

The impact of these enhancements extends well beyond the immediate project objectives. Speaking at the ceremony, Fiso Jennifer Key, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for its generous support and to IOM for its role in implementing the project. She underscored that the upgraded system and equipment will significantly improve service delivery, strengthen national security, and facilitate safe, efficient, and transparent border management in line with international standards.

His Excellency Mr Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan, highlighted that the upgraded system and equipment mark an important advancement for Samoa’s national security. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Samoa and the wider Pacific region, emphasizing that the upgrade reflects the strong partnership between Samoa Immigration, IOM, and the Government of Japan. He further noted that this collaboration underscores a shared commitment to safe, secure, and efficient migration management across the Pacific — a principle reaffirmed at the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 20) held in Tokyo in July 2024.

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