The Papua New Guinea Immigration & Citizenship service Authority (PNGICSA) was pleased to announce the official re-opening of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI) maritime border on 31st October 2023, at Kangu in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). Due to the Covid19 pandemic in 20th March of 2020, the border was closed for almost 4 years restricting casual crossing visits and selling. The event was joined by PNGICSA Chief Immigration Officer Stannis Hulahau, the SI High Commissioner to PNG William Soaki, and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Minister for Lands Junior Tumare, and ABG Minister for Police John Bosco Ragu. Each respected position had the privilege of cutting the ribbon for the official maritime border re-opening. Mr Hulahau expressed the significance of the re-opening for the neighboring islands. “Re-Opening the border is vital now allowing cross-border movement between the traditional communities on both sides. Allowing visitation from friends and family from both sides.” “This official re-opening will ensure trade or selling will be conducted lawfully,” Said Mr Hulahau. Mr. Hulahau stated the re-opening is part of the PNG and SI government’s commitment through the PNGICSA and SIID to work closely on migration and border security matters. “The re-opening of the border promotes cooperation with SIID provide careful monitoring and management cross-border movement between Buin in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Western Province in SI for the Pacific Games to be held this year in Honiara, and in the future.” “The PNGICSA will provides ongoing capacity support to SIID with assistance is the PNG-Developed travel Entry Capture Hub or TECH applications from Tablets systematically designed to process travelers during the pacific games and in after.“ “We envisage that the tech application can also be used on the PNG side of the Border in Burin.”