A recent visa issue almost thwarted Kiribati’s participation in the 65th Board of Directors Meeting of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) held in Saipan, according to government official Birimaka Tekanene. The delegation had been misinformed about the U.S. visa requirements for entering the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
Tekanene explained that, based on previous communication, they believed their Micronesian status exempted them from needing a visa. “Our secretary informed us we didn’t need one, leading to a misunderstanding,” he said. Upon arrival at Narita Airport in Japan, however, the delegation learned that they required visas to both CNMI and Guam, leading to a scramble for solutions.
Traveling to Fiji to apply for a visa to Japan, it seemed they had overlooked the critical step. With additional interventions required, Tekanene contacted the APIL president, causing a collaborative effort between CNMI and Guam officials to resolve the issue, ultimately allowing the Kiribati delegation to board their flight to Saipan.
Tekanene expressed gratitude for the help they received, highlighting the role of CNMI House Speaker and APIL President Edmund Villagomez in resolving their dilemma. This incident marked a learning experience, revealing to the Kiribati delegation the existence of a U.S. visa exemption program, albeit stated as an exceptional case unlikely to be repeated in the future.
Moreover, Tekanene shared his hopes that Kiribati might one day be included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme for smoother travel access in the future. He pointed out that easier travel arrangements would significantly benefit Kiribati citizens, especially in light of regional events such as the Miss Micronesia Pageant. “Being Micronesians, we believe having that visa exemption or a similar arrangement would help eliminate future travel complications when attending APIL gatherings,” he said.
Villagomez acknowledged the perseverance of the Kiribati delegation through the travel challenges, commending them further for their commitment to attend the important event despite the hurdles faced. This incident draws attention to the need for clearer communication regarding travel requirements among Pacific nations, promoting collaboration for ease of movement in the region, which is crucial for fostering diplomatic and cultural connections.
As Kiribati navigates its diplomatic landscape while endeavoring to strengthen its ties with the broader Pacific community, instances like this emphasize the potential for improved travel cooperation and regional solidarity moving forward.
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