The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is facing criticism over allegations that it is still effectively applying the controversial “No Jab, No Job” policy, despite the policy having been formally revoked by the previous government.
The issue has surfaced following the decision by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) not to approve the appointment of Solomon Kalu as Director General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) on 8 December 2025.
According to a Public Service Circular Memorandum issued in February 2024, Cabinet had revoked both the “No Jab, No Job” policy and the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all public servants and applicants for public service vacancies.
The revocation was agreed to at Cabinet’s 35th meeting on 31 December 2022 under the former Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), with the cancellation taking immediate effect from 31 December 2023.
However, critics argue that the government’s handling of Kalu’s appointment contradicts that decision.
In a letter sent to Kalu by the Ministry of Public Service following the JLSC’s decision, the Commission confirmed that Kalu was a former public servant who previously served as Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission but voluntarily resigned after refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine under the then “No Jab, No Job” policy.
The letter further noted that Kalu refused vaccination on the basis of religious beliefs and personal convictions.
It also stated that when Kalu later reapplied for the position of Chairman of the Leadership Code Commission, he was not shortlisted following advice from the Attorney-General’s Chambers on matters related to COVID-19.
“In this particular case (Director General), the Commission was made aware that the interview panel had been advised by the Attorney-General’s Office against including you in the shortlisting on COVID-19-associated concerns, but the panel chose to ignore the advice,” the letter stated.
“In considering the Attorney-General’s advice, the Commission is of the view that the advice is critically important and applicable to your past actions in refusing to comply with the Government’s mandatory vaccination policy.”
The Commission concluded that Kalu’s refusal to comply with government policy on religious grounds demonstrated a failure to meet public service requirements, rendering him unsuitable for appointment as a public officer.
As a result, the JLSC did not approve his appointment and advised that the SIICAC Director General position be re-advertised with immediate effect.
The Attorney-General’s advice, and the Commission’s reliance on it, has attracted widespread criticism on social media, with many questioning why a revoked policy is still being used to deny public appointments.
Critics argue that the decision effectively applies the “No Jab, No Job” policy of the previous government, despite its formal cancellation, and say Solomon Islands appears out of step with global trends.
They point out that many countries have moved on from broad employment-based vaccine mandates.
In Australia, there is no longer a blanket “No Jab, No Job” rule for all workers, although specific sectors may still require vaccination under workplace health and safety laws.
In New Zealand, government-level vaccine mandates tied to employment were removed after the pandemic period.
In Fiji, the government revoked its “No Jab, No Job” policy in March 2023.
In Papua New Guinea, there is no national law enforcing a blanket “No Jab, No Job” requirement, with policies having evolved since the height of the pandemic.
Observers say the situation raises serious questions about policy consistency, legal interpretation, and whether former COVID-19 measures are being indirectly enforced despite their formal repeal.
Meanwhile, there is a call via social media for the removal of the current Attorney General John Muria Jnr following the latest case.
And many social media followers are in support of the call.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
