BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands has raised concerns with Australia over visa processes affecting Solomon Islanders travelling to Australia, describing the current arrangements as costly and difficult.
Mr Wale said the issue was discussed during bilateral engagements with Australian officials and will form part of ongoing treaty negotiations between the two countries.
“We raised all these matters with them. These are matters that will also be part of our treaty negotiations,” Mr Wale said.
He highlighted concerns over the different treatment between Australians entering Solomon Islands and Solomon Islanders travelling to Australia.
Mr Wale said Australians visiting Solomon Islands are granted visas on arrival with fewer restrictions, while Solomon Islanders face expensive application processes and lengthy procedures when applying for Australian visas.
The Prime Minister said the Solomon Islands Government is seeking greater understanding and fairer arrangements under the proposed treaty discussions with Australia.
“In the treaty, we’re seeking closer economic relations,” Mr Wale said.
He said Australian officials have responded positively to the concerns raised by Solomon Islands.
“They’re very open. In fact, the Home Affairs Minister was very positive,” he said.
Mr Wale added that both countries are now looking at possible initial steps to ease visa-related challenges while broader discussions continue.
The Prime Minister said discussions on visa access and economic cooperation will continue as part of broader treaty negotiations between Solomon Islands and Australia.
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