BLC Slams Citizenship Bill, Questions Absence of Government Policy

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BLC Slams Citizenship Bill, Questions Absence of Government Policy

Honiara, Solomon Islands, 3rd November 2026 – The Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) has raised serious concerns over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 (No. 3 of 2026), particularly the apparent absence of a clearly articulated and documented government policy framework underpinning the proposed legislative amendments.

The concerns were raised during the Committee’s hearing on the Bill, yesterday, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

BLC Committee member and Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP, questioned the Ministry on the policy justification for the proposed amendments and challenged the Government to explain the policy foundation upon which the Bill was developed.

Hon. Sogavare stressed that legislation should not be developed in isolation but must be grounded in a clearly established government policy that identifies the issues requiring legislative intervention and justifies the proposed changes.

He pointed out that there appears to be no publicly identifiable policy document outlining the Government’s objectives, the specific problem it intends to address, the evidence supporting the proposed amendments, the expected outcomes or why changes to the existing Citizenship Act 2018 are necessary.

He further emphasised the importance of meaningful public consultation, particularly because the proposed amendments directly concern the rights and legal status of Solomon Islands citizens.

He said individuals whose rights may be affected must be given a genuine opportunity to express their views and contribute to the legislative process before decisions are made that could have significant implications for their citizenship rights.

If the Government intends to push this legislation through without a clearly established policy foundation and meaningful consultation, the fundamental question is, whose interests is the Government seeking to advance?

In his contribution, Member of Parliament for Hograno/Kia/Havulei Constituency, Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, stressed that the absence of a documented policy framework represents a serious weakness in the Government’s legislative policy development process.

He highlighted that sound legislative development requires the Government to first identify and define the public policy problem, establish clear policy objectives, undertake appropriate research and consultation, assess alternative policy options and determine the legislative measures necessary to implement the preferred policy.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Central Honiara, Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo MP, said the absence of a documented policy framework raises serious questions about whether the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2026 has been adequately conceived, justified and prepared.

Hon. Lilo maintained that if the Government cannot demonstrate that a proper policy development process has been undertaken, the Bill should be withdrawn or deferred until a comprehensive policy review, meaningful public consultation and appropriate legal scrutiny have been completed.

The BLC maintains that citizenship is too fundamental an issue to be treated as an ordinary legislative matter. Any proposed changes must be carefully examined to ensure they are supported by sound policy, consistent with the Constitution and protective of the rights of Solomon Islands citizens.

The Committee also expressed concern that the proposed expansion of citizenship revocation powers must not create opportunities for political interference, arbitrary decision-making or the targeting of individuals for exercising their legitimate democratic rights and freedoms.

Furthermore, the distinction between citizenship acquired by birth and citizenship acquired through an application process requires careful constitutional and legal examination to ensure that any proposed changes are consistent with the principles of equality, fairness and constitutional protection.

The sovereignty of Solomon Islands is important. Equally important is ensuring that laws enacted in the name of that sovereignty are developed through proper processes, supported by clear policy objectives, constitutionally sound and ultimately serve the best interests of all Solomon Islanders………. Ends///.