The Government has allocated $14.8million to the Ministry of Immigration to modernise border management, strengthen national security and improve immigration services amid growing global security challenges.
Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto made the announcement while contributing to the 2026-2027 National Budget debate in Parliament on Monday, saying recent international events underscored the importance of resilient border management.
“The Iran crisis reinforces the importance of resilient border management,” Mr Naupoto said.
“International conflicts can generate irregular migration, increase the demand for humanitarian protection, disrupt international travel and heighten the need for robust passenger screening and intelligence sharing.”
He said economic pressures could also encourage greater labour mobility across the Pacific, making continued investment in immigration systems both a security and economic priority.
“Continued investment in immigration technology, border security and regional cooperation therefore becomes not only a security priority but also an economic necessity.”
Mr Naupoto said the $14.8m allocation would support the continued modernisation of immigration laws and regulations, the acquisition of modern border management tools and systems, the provision of passport books, efforts to combat human trafficking and the decentralisation of immigration services.
“The budget shows Government’s commitment to the continuation and finalisation of the modernisation of immigration laws and regulations, the acquisition of modern border management tools and systems, the provision of passport books for citizens, tackling human trafficking, and decentralising immigration services to allow easier access for our citizens and customers.”
He said that since the Ministry of Immigration was established on January 10, 2025, Government had been committed to strengthening the country’s immigration systems and capabilities.
“It is a strategic national capability that protects our sovereignty, strengthens our economy, facilitates investment, supports tourism, combats transnational crime and safeguards the dignity and security of every person who enters or leaves our borders.”
