BY NED GAGAHE
Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy, has confirmed that 50 Solomon Islanders have been granted visas under the first round of the new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) scheme.
Speaking to local journalists during his two-day official visit to Honiara last week, Minister Conroy described the PEV as a “groundbreaking” initiative aimed at strengthening ties between Australia and Pacific nations.
“The Pacific Engagement Visa is a great way of bringing the peoples of the Pacific together, growing the Pacific diaspora in Australia and giving lifetime opportunities,” said Minister Conroy.
According to the Minister, the PEV program has generated significant interest across the region, with 50,000 applications received for the initial 3,000 visa places available.
From the Solomon Islands alone, 450 individuals have subscribed to the ballot, with 50 already receiving their visas and an additional 100 applicants currently undergoing processing.
Minister Conroy acknowledged early lessons from the scheme, including challenges faced by applicants in completing the required documentation for passport and security checks.
He also noted the need for more support in helping successful applicants meet the visa employment condition.
“We are hearing from the first experience that we need to work closely with the applicants around getting their paperwork in order. We’ve also heard the message to step up and do more about helping them secure employment opportunities in Australia,” he said.
Minister Conroy said to address these challenges, the Australian Government plans to increase support services in Pacific countries and conduct a review of the scheme to ensure adequate assistance is provided to applicants in future rounds.
“This is a long-term initiative. In any scheme, you learn from the first year in terms of operation. But the PEV is groundbreaking and I’m looking forward to meeting many Solomon Islanders who will take up this opportunity,” Minister Conroy concluded.
The PEV scheme, announced in 2023, is part of Australia’s broader commitment to strengthening partnerships and development across the Pacific region.
The Solomon Islands has been allocated 150 places annually under the PEV scheme.
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