Solomon Islanders who wish to travel to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will now be able to test for tuberculosis (TB) in Honiara in order to get a UK Visa.
Visitors from Solomon Islands don't need a visa to visit the UK for less than 6 months. However, visitors do need a visa to study, work or stay for an extended period in the UK.
To apply for a UK visa you first must be screened for tuberculosis. The Family Medical Centre, has just become the first testing centre in Solomon Islands accredited by the UK Visa and Immigration Office to conduct TB tests. Prior to this arrangement, Solomon Islanders had to travel to either Australia or Papua New Guinea for TB screening at their own expense. The latest arrangement will benefit businesses, students and travellers immensely.
This is also welcoming news for Solomon Islanders who would be successful in their applications for our prestigious Chevening Scholarship as they can now do TB screening at home.
Medical Director of The Family Medical Centre, Dr Divi Ogaoga said:
I would like to thank the UK Visas and Immigration and Customer Services Group for recognising and trusting the Family Medical Centre to continue to perform Medical Clearance, especially TB screening for intending travellers to the UK. We look forward to working closely with the UK Government in providing high quality services to potential travellers to the UK.
British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Thomas Coward said:
This is fantastic news for any Solomon Islander who wants a UK visa, including our next cohort of Chevening scholars who will be leaving in September. Practical steps like this help make it easier to study and work between our two countries and strengthen the UK and Solomon Islands partnership.
Family Medical Centre is now be the first locally-owned and UK-accredited health services provider for TB tests in Solomon Islands.
