Samoa Immigration has commissioned new uniforms for its officers with Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa witnessing its unveiling at the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In a brief ceremony at the Ministry's main office on Monday morning, the Prime Minister launched the new uniforms which include a full set for both male and female immigration officers, rank slides, an identification badge, and an official cap. 

Fiamē recognised the partnership between her Ministry and the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) that funded the uniforms.

“The essence of having a uniform epitomises unity and identifies a group or an organisation that works together for a common goal and while that is important, having a duty-bound workforce with a result-driven spirit for the betterment of society, are of greater significance," said the Prime Minister.

Encouraging immigration officers to be more vigilant in performing their prescribed duties at the borders, the Prime Minister said: "The new uniform is their armour and a constant reminder to all who will don this uniform, about their calling to safeguard Samoa’s national borders."

The PIDC is a regional organisation that gained legal entity status in 2015 and established its headquarters in Apia in 2016. The organisation has 21 member countries including Australia and New Zealand. Samoa is a permanent member of the PIDC management board. 

The CEO of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo emphasised the need for stronger strategic focus and well-coordinated immigration work at the regulated ports of entry to ensure national security, safety of travellers, and timely identification of transnational crimes.

The new uniform will help enhance visibility of Samoa Immigration at the borders, as part of its preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that Samoa will host in October 2024.