Border Enforcement Workshops help combat people smuggling

The Australian Government is holding a series of workshops in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in support of continued regional cooperation aimed at countering maritime people smuggling in South East Asia.

The Border Enforcement Workshops coordinated by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service in Thailand and Indonesia on 28 July 2011, involved contributions by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Australian Federal Police and Department of Defence.

Customs and Border Protection Regional Director, Peter White, said the workshops have been initiated to target the illegal use of legitimate border crossings by people smugglers in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“Maritime people smuggling is a regional issue that requires a regional response,” Mr White said.

“The clear message to people smugglers is that regional nations are working together to target organised criminals who undertake people smuggling activities.

“This activity is designed to prevent people smuggling activity and reinforce the close cooperation and successes between all governments in the region.

“The workshops focus on the exchange of maritime people smuggling intelligence and enhancing border management skills among regulatory and law enforcement agencies.”

A number of Indonesian and Thai government agencies were involved in these people smuggling workshops delivered in Pattaya, Thailand and Jakarta, Indonesia and follow a successful workshop in Bali, Indonesia earlier this week.

“The involvement of a range of Indonesian agencies at today’s workshop is indicative of the excellent cooperation that regional law enforcement and regulatory agencies share in combating this regional problem,” Mr White said.

“Similarly, engagement from Thai agencies and their willingness to share their skills and experiences sets us in good stead to continue enforcement activities into the future.”

Additional workshops are planned in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand throughout 2011.

Media Enquiries:
Ray Marcelo, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 hp. 0811 187 3175