Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 25 August 2023 - Select government officials from the island of Penrhyn have participated in training delivered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) this week, as part of the implementation of the 2021 Immigration Act and the 2023 Immigration Regulations.
On their successful completion of training the officials will be issued warrants as an Immigration Designated Officer.
The Pa Enua based officials included Vano John Puna, Ru Taime, and Tamu Tapaitau, who received training delivered by Border Security Leader and Training facilitator, Tereroa Pumati, at MFAI headquarters in Rarotonga.
The participants were in Rarotonga for several meetings, including with relevant border agencies to strengthen their knowledge of border related regulations and border entry and departure processing requirements for small craft or vessels visiting our Pa Enua.
"Currently, the police officer stationed on the island is the designated officer for entry and departure requirements," said Acting Principal Immigration Officer, Chere Arthur.
"In recent months, the island has experienced an influx of visiting small craft or vessels. Not all crafts have been compliant with customs regulations to provide an ANA (Advanced Notice of Arrival) ahead of their entry into Cook Islands waters. The training we're delivering should bolster our border protection capabilities by empowering and equipping our designated immigration officers to process entry or deny entry in compliance with the Immigration Regulations."
This week's training involved learning about legislation, regulations, standard operating procedures, practical exercises on profiling and risk assessment, and observation exercises at the Air and Seaports on Rarotonga.