Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) has announced the appointment of Nanai Sovala Agaiava as the new deputy head of the Secretariat.

Nanai, who previously worked with Samoa's Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as the Deputy CEO, clocked in on Wednesday 1 November 2023 at the PIDC headquarters located at the Development Bank of Samoa Building in Apia. 

The head of the secretariat, Akuila Ratu welcomed the new appointee on behalf of the Board, PIDC Members and staff of the PIDC Secretariat, according to a press release issued by the secretariat on Wednesday.

“PIDC is quite fortunate to have recruited Mr Sovala as he comes with a great depth of knowledge and experience having more than 23 years of public service in the Samoan government," said Mr. Ratu. "Mr Sovala’s extensive experience and exceptional qualifications made him the ideal choice for the position.

"His background with the Samoa Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as the Deputy CEO with responsibilities and oversight on national security and immigration gives us great confidence in his ability to drive PIDC’s collective efforts and excellence in border security across the Pacific."

Nanai was employed as the Deputy CEO for four years with his responsibilities including policy analysis and development, national security and immigration as well as serving the executive government of Samoa. Mr. Agaiava is also bringing to PIDC more than 23 years of public service, where he has served in different capacities, ranging from education, youth and community development to local government, project management and economic development.  

He will work closely with the head of the secretariat and the Board, PIDC Members, staff and partners of PIDC, in ensuring that PIDC delivers on its core vision “to secure international movement of people for safe and prosperous Pacific Communities.”  

The PIDC is a forum for official Immigration Agencies of the Pacific region and was established in 1996. It enables heads of immigration agencies to discuss issues of mutual interest and to foster multilateral cooperation and mutual assistance aimed at strengthening members' territorial borders and the integrity of their entry systems. PIDCs' approach and work in the region is underpinned by its core values of commitment, openness, family and teamwork, trust and respect, integrity, innovation and flexibility, good governance, rule of law and leadership.