Australia and Laos facing up to border management challenges
Ambassador John Williams together with Mr Saysaming Sivilay Acting Director General, Department of Immigration, Ministry of Public Security at the closing ceremony of the Facial Image Comparison training at Wattay airport on 22 May 2015.
Lao Immigration officials received training this week from Australian experts in facial image comparison, the latest part of a two-decade long cooperation program to strengthen border security in the Lao PDR and across the Mekong region.
Specialist trainers from Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection travelled to Vientiane on 21-22 May to deliver a two-day course in techniques for comparing facial images and photos.
The training aims to strengthen the skills of Lao Department of Immigration officials in dealing with the growing volume of visitors to the Lao PDR, following the country’s rapid growth as a tourism and business destination in recent years.
Australia’s Ambassador to the Lao PDR, John Williams, said training in facial image comparison was a vital skill for immigration staff, which helped in detecting and preventing illegal migration, such as people smuggling.
Williams, who presented certificates to the participants at the close of the course at Wattay airport, said Australia and the Lao PDR shared a common interest in combating people smuggling and human trafficking.
“The Australian Government places great value in its close working relationship with the Lao PDR on immigration and smuggling issues,” he said. “These cross-border challenges require close coordination among our border management officials, as much as specialist skills.”
Ambassador Williams said the AEC would bring tremendous benefits for the Lao PDR, as the world increasingly looks at South-East Asia as a single, dynamic market.
“But the AEC will also bring challenges,” he said. “In a region where cross-border movement is becoming easier, and the illicit trade represents such a challenge, the skills of front-line immigration officials will become even more vital.”
“This is why the immigration departments of Australia and the Lao PDR have been working together on border security issues since the 1990s,” Williams said. “It’s important part of Australia’s practical support for ASEAN’s vision of integration.”
This week’s training is the latest initiative in Australia’s ongoing Regional Skills Development Program with the Lao Department of Immigration. The program in 2015 will also include training in document examination techniques and English language courses.
Media Enquiries:
Mingngakham Pangnasak
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Australian Embassy
Phone: 021 353 800 ext. 125, Mob: 020 2223 8299