Ministry of Immigration and Corrections
Directorate General of Immigration
Nha Trang, Vietnam - Border management is a challenge that must be addressed collaboratively through international cooperation, supported by a coordination center equipped with the latest systems. It was emphasized by the Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) during the Plenary Session of the 7th ASEAN Heads of Major Immigration Checkpoints Forum (AMICF) held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on Tuesday, 13 August 2024.
The DGI highlighted the urgent need to enhance information exchange and cooperation at major immigration border controls across ASEAN member countries. To this end, the DGI proposed the establishment of the AMICF Coordination Center. This initiative aims to facilitate a more structured and coordinated exchange of information, enabling rapid responses to emerging threats and streamlining services at immigration checkpoints.
The proposed AMICF Coordination Center will utilize a virtual platform for training resources and to monitor emerging trends in immigration and border control. Immigration officers from member countries can share passenger information to bolster border protection. The technology employed by the AMICF Coordination Center will also empower immigration officials to identify and address irregular human movements quickly.
Indonesia Develops Immigration Inspection Technology
During the forum, the DGI presented three significant advancements in immigration inspection: a new passenger profile information system, the latest auto gate technology, and enhancements in digital forensics.
Additionally, the DGI has established an immigration inspection mechanism for passengers who have not yet arrived in Indonesia. This mechanism is implemented by immigration officers who are part of the passenger analysis unit at all international airports in Indonesia.
The AMICF concluded with several recommendations that immigration authorities will jointly pursue in ASEAN. These recommendations focus on research, data analysis, and information campaigns on people smuggling in each country. Furthermore, all member countries are committed to enhancing the capabilities of immigration officers and regularly evaluating coordination mechanisms among themselves.
AMICF is part of the ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM). This annual event serves as a platform for policy communication between immigration authorities throughout Southeast Asia. Key topics addressed at the AMICF include improving border security and fostering regional and international cooperation in border management. The forum also discussed proposals for establishing a monitoring mechanism for immigration actions among major immigration checkpoints in ASEAN and implementing guidelines for enhancing information sharing on border actions in response to pandemics, health crises, or emergencies.
The DGICM initiative has been in operation since 1996. This year, Vietnam hosted the DGICM, chaired by Major General Pham Dang Khoa, Director General of the Vietnam Department of Immigration. In addition to border issues, the event, which took place from 13 August to 15, highlighted topics such as human trafficking, immigration intelligence, and consular affairs.
Last updated 25 November 2024
