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Talk of waiving 30-day permits for Samoa citizens to enter the territory surfaces

Consul General, Fata Brian Kaio
Samoa’s new Consul General pushes for it while PM Fiame stays mum
Joyetter@samoanews.com

Apia, SAMOA — Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has neither confirmed nor denied that waiving the 30-day entry permit for Samoan citizens entering American Samoa would be discussed at any future Samoa Talks.

During a press conference with the media in Samoa this week, the Prime Minister said at the moment a number of issues need to be addressed between Samoa and American Samoa by way of the Samoa Talks, however due to COVID, the talks have not come about as yet. She added that the two Samoas are keen to revive the Talks as this will benefit residents of both Samoa and American Samoa. 

However, this week Radio Polynesia reported that waiving the 30-day permit for Samoa citizens to enter the US territory is one of the issues on the agenda of Samoa’s new Consul General, Fata Brian Kaio.

In an interview with Radio Polynesia Fata said his first meeting with Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga emphasized the relations between the two countries as “brothers”.

He pointed out that Samoa’s relationship with American Samoa is “quite unique and very different” compared to all other diplomatic offices around the world.

Fata says the move is quite “complex” and he believes this is something the two Samoas can work towards to ensure the Samoa people can enter freely without having to go through the immigration process. And with the opening of borders this is a priority on his agenda.

The new Consul General said this is one way that tourists can easily enter the US territory and in turn, it will benefit the territory as this can be a reliable source of revenue. 

“Also, the dateline is a huge factor, people can enjoy one holiday on two different occasions in two separate countries and this is the upper hand of having the borders open between Samoa and American Samoa. 

“Samoa is one of the first countries to welcome the New Year and some people can enjoy the new year in Apia and then hop on the plane and go to American Samoa for more celebrations of the same holiday. Birthdays can be celebrated twice,” Fata said. 

He said this is something that Samoa and American Samoa will stand to benefit.

Any foreign national entering American Samoa is required to attain a 30-day permit by way of sponsorship.