BY NED GAGAHE
Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisiolo, has called for an increase in the country’s allocation under Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) scheme, citing demographic trends and community size.
Speaking in a recent interview with local media in Canberra, Australia, Mr Sisiolo said the current annual allocation of 150 visas for Solomon Islands does not reflect the nation’s growing population or the size of its diaspora in Australia.
“For us in Solomon Islands, we have a fast-growing population—larger than most Pacific Island countries, apart from Papua New Guinea, which has around 12 – 13 million people,” Mr Sisiolo said.
“Compared to others, our population in Australia is relatively small, but that’s also why this programme is important for us.”
He proposed an increase in the annual quota to between 200 and 500 visas, arguing that the country is on track to surpass Fiji in population by 2032, if not earlier.
The PEV programme, launched in 2023, offers up to 3,000 permanent residency places each year for eligible nationals from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste, with allocations determined in consultation with each country.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
