Security at the border has received an upgrade with immigration officials now being able to more effectively monitor the persons entering and exiting its territory.

This was made possible with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) handing over a comprehensive set of equipment to the Government of Samoa.

The equipment increases Samoa’s capability to collect, process, store, and analyse traveller information in real time. Additionally, it provides a sound statistical basis for migration-related policy planning. Apart from improving border control and law enforcement operations, the much-anticipated upgrade is also expected to facilitate more effective protection of migrants and evidence-based policymaking.

The package included three sets of database servers with ample data space and high-speed processing capacity, as well as two UPS machines to provide backup power to the servers. The donation is worth 124,000 Samoan Tala (or the equivalent of US$46,000).

Funded by the Government of Japan, IOM Samoa is currently implementing a regional project to assist the Pacific with the socio-economic recovery from the pandemic of COVID-19. With safe resumption of border management operations being the main approach, more integrated and seamless border control systems are therefore urgently needed.

The Ambassador of Japan, Keisuke Senta said he was happy to see the upgrades for the border management system in Samoa materialised through IOM’s implementation.

“The Japanese Government values the ongoing relations with the Independent State of Samoa and supports the country’s safety and prosperity,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo said the hardware is crucial for Samoa Immigration to ensure the border management system upgrades are rolled out as planned, an agenda particularly crucial leading up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October 2024.

He also thanked the Government of Japan for the unwavering support and partnership that both countries have established over the years.

The donated servers will enable the Government of Samoa to handle the large volumes of data currently at hand. Meanwhile, it provides the Government with sufficient storage capacity to facilitate the accumulation of passenger and immigration-related data in the years to come.  

The upgrade will contribute to achieving the key strategic outcome 3: Security and Trusted Governance identified in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (2021/22 – 2025/26). It will also help advance the agenda for the Peace and Security Thematic Area of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.