With Japan’s Support, Vanuata Expands MIDAS Border Program

Vanuatu has successfully deployed a new border management information system, MIDAS, and an eVisa website at Port Vila International Airport. The project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Vanuatu, Japan, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

MIDAS, or the “Migration Information and Data Analysis System”, is designed to collect, process, and record both biographic and biometric data, including photographs, fingerprints, and travel document images.

As Identity Week reports, the MIDAS system has been extended to three additional travel hubs, including Port Vila seaport, Santo International Airport, and Santo seaport, in an effort to enhance the country’s security operations. The infrastructure expansion includes a new immigration office and a MIDAS Training Room at Port Vila seaport, funded by Japan, to ensure the integration of human resources with advanced technology for physical checks.

The eVisa system, launched alongside MIDAS, aims to streamline visa applications and enhance border management. According to Minister of Internal Affairs, Johnny Koanapo, the eVisa module allows travelers to apply for visas online, make payments, and receive electronic approvals, significantly reducing processing times from weeks to just a few days.

The system also integrates work permit applications, enabling overseas workers to obtain necessary permits before arriving in Vanuatu, an initiative supported by the Departments of Immigration and Labour.

Japanese Ambassador to Vanuatu, Okuda Naohisa, commended Vanuatu’s commitment and investment in the project, emphasizing Japan’s support for expanding MIDAS to additional entry points and enhancing its capabilities with eVisa and eHealth modules.

Minister Koanapo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to effective border control measures and expressed gratitude to the IOM, Japan, and the UNDP for their support. He outlined plans to integrate an Advanced Passenger Information (API) system to further strengthen border security.

Vanuatu is a Pacific island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, comprising around 80 islands. It is known for its tropical climate, vibrant culture, and diverse marine life. The nation has developed a cooperative relationship with Japan, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, border security, and public health.

Sources: Identity Week, Vanuatu Daily Post

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July 19, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy