ASEAN promotes comprehensive cooperation on immigration and consular management at DGICM 28

Vietnamese delegation attends DGICM 28 Conference.

This is an important annual conference, serving as a platform to enhance cooperation and dialogue among ASEAN member countries on issues in immigration and consular management.

Attending the 28th DGICM Conference, the Vietnamese delegation was led by Lieutenant General Pham Dang Khoa, Director of the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security ; joining the delegation were Director of the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Hoang Minh and officials from the two agencies.

Prior to the main session of DGICM 28, many important meetings were held consecutively on August 12, including: the 8th ASEAN Major Border Control Agencies Forum (AMICF); the 4th meeting of the Human Smuggling Unit (HSU); and the 20th ASEAN Immigration Intelligence Forum (AIIF).

At the conference, the Head of the Vietnamese delegation handed over the role of DGICM Chairman to the representative of Brunei, presenting the National Report on Vietnam's immigration management and consular work.

The Vietnamese delegation discussed and contributed opinions at the DGICM consultation sessions with Australia and DGICM + 3 (China, Japan, Korea).

The Conference welcomed the adoption of the DGICM Rules of Procedure (TOR) on 1 January 2025 and commended Viet Nam's effective leadership during its tenure as DGICM 27 Chair by leading the development and consultation of this document.

The meeting took note of recent developments in ASEAN and exchanged views on national, regional and international efforts and new measures implemented by ASEAN Member States on issues in immigration, consular and border management.

It is noteworthy that all ASEAN member countries have completed the submission of the Instrument of Ratification of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption to the ASEAN Secretariat and the Conference welcomed the official entry into force of this Agreement.

Progress was also noted on ongoing DGICM initiatives, including: Guidelines on Consular Assistance by ASEAN Member State Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of ASEAN Member States; Compilation of Best Practices in the Provision of Consular Assistance; Compilation of Information and Research on the Feasibility of Visa Waiver for Holders of Special Travel Documents Considered Stateless; ASEAN Immigration Training Centre (AITC) and the Draft Roadmap for ASEAN Border Management Cooperation.

Delegates take a group photo.

The 28th DGICM and related meetings demonstrated the strong commitment of ASEAN member states to enhancing regional cooperation in border management, immigration and consular affairs.

These joint efforts are pivotal in addressing increasingly complex cross-border challenges, from transnational crime to humanitarian crises, while facilitating travel and promoting people-to-people connectivity across the region.

From 2026, the DGICM Chairmanship term will begin in January and end in December of the same year, following the ASEAN Chairmanship cycle, and Cambodia will assume this role to host the 29th DGICM and related meetings.

With the active participation and meaningful contributions of Vietnam and dialogue partners such as China, Japan, South Korea and Australia, the DGICM forum continues to strengthen its role in building a safe, stable and prosperous region.

ASEAN's traditional spirit of solidarity and friendship was present throughout the meetings, promising steady progress in cooperation for the common interests of countries in the region.