INTERPOL EU-ASEAN MIGRATION & BORDER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
Channel: INTERPOL
Date: 2016-09-11

EU-ASEAN Migration and Border Management Programme II

The aim of this programme is to improve border security across Southeast Asia to address transnational crimes such as people smuggling and human trafficking.

Funded by the European Union (EU), the programme works to strengthen law enforcement networks and cooperation at regional transit hubs in the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The 10 ASEAN countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The three-year programme was launched in Jakarta in October 2015. It builds on the success of a pilot project which saw the expansion of access to INTERPOL’s tools and services to frontline police at 16 sites (eight in Cambodia and eight in Vietnam).

The two main components of the programme are:

1. Capacity building, training and operational activities;

2. Research into easing visa requirements within the region.
Capacity building and training

The aim is to increase the skills and knowledge of law enforcement agencies dealing with border management in the ASEAN community. 

Activities include:
1. The technical and operational expansion of INTERPOL’s secure global police communications system (I-24/7);
2. Training on specialized areas such as the use of INTERPOL’s integrated tools and services, international law enforcement communication and mutual assistance, and people smuggling and human trafficking;
3. Train-the-trainer sessions to ensure skills and knowledge are shared internally within the law enforcement agencies to further enhance their strength;
4. Integrated operational activities involving a range of stakeholders.
Research project

An academic study will assess the possibility of a simplified visa procedure for both ASEAN and non- ASEAN nationals, to facilitate the mobility of people across the region.

This university-led study will also conduct an in-depth analysis of the European visa system and provide recommendations suitable for implementation in ASEAN.

ASEAN member countries will contribute to this research document with a view to developing and reinforcing its practical recommendations.