L-R: Mr Johnson Oge, Mr Kereta Sanga, Ms Sophia Meolver, and Mr Richard Manuroho

On the morning of the 21^st September 2020 the Consulate General of Solomon Islands in Brisbane opened its doors as the country’s first diplomatic mission to offer passport renewal services to Solomon Islanders outside of the country.

Consul General, Mr Kereta Sanga, indicated that the passport renewal services is a culmination of a joint effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade and Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour, and Immigration, to establish passport renewal services at the Brisbane Office.

Mr Sanga said that on the 2^nd July 2020 the Cabinet endorsed an initiative to send Immigration officials to the Consulate to set up passport renewal services. This was in recognition of a long-standing passports issue to support Solomon Islands citizens living abroad. This initiative proved timely given the outbreak of COVID 19 earlier this year affecting international travel.

Presently, two Immigration officials, Mr Johnson Oge and Mr Richard Manuroho, are assisting the Consulate with the renewals process and encourage Solomon Islands nationals to renew expiring passports. Mr Oge encourages nationals that even with 2 years remaining on your passport you should make use of this opportunity to renew your passport by calling Consulate (+61) 07 3854 1697 to make an appointment.

Solomon Islands national, Mr Morgan Ragaruma, recording personal details for a new passport.