Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa launched the new uniform for Samoa Immigration at a ceremony held at the Ministry’s main office this morning.
The new uniform includes a full set for both male and female immigration officers, rank slides, an identification badge, and an official cap.
Prime Minister Fiamē welcomed this initiative and acknowledged the partnership between the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC) that funded the uniforms.
The PIDC is a regional organisation that gained legal entity status in 2015 and established its headquarters in Apia in 2016. The Organisation has 21 member countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Samoa is a permanent member of the PIDC’s Management Board.
“The essence of having a uniform epitomizes unity and identifies a group or an organisation that works together for a common goal. And while that is important, having a duty-bound workforce with a result-driven spirit for the betterment of society are of greater significance”, says the Prime Minister.
She encouraged Immigration officers to be more vigilant in their duties at the borders. “The new uniform is their armour and a constant reminder to all who will don this uniform about their calling to safeguard Samoa’s national borders”, added Prime Minister Fiamē.
Chief Executive Officer Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo reiterated the need for stronger strategic focus and well-coordinated immigration work at the regulated ports of entry to ensure national security, the safety of travellers, and timely identification of transnational crimes.
The new uniform will help enhance the visibility of Samoa Immigration at the borders as part of its preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that Samoa will host in October 2024.
