Vientiane – The Government of Japan is contributing 220 million Japanese yen (approximately USD 2 million) to promote safe, regular and orderly migration in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic by supporting the International Organization for Migration (IOM) immigration and border management programming in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Designed in close consultation with the Department of Immigration (DoI), Ministry of Public Security (MoPS), the two-year project aims to facilitate safe and orderly cross-border mobility of people through the implementation of effective and efficient border and migration management, using an integrated approach.

The funding from the Government of Japan will address both technological and infrastructure needs to improve Lao Government human and technical capacities to effectively manage cross border movements at international airports and land borders.

H.E. Mr Takewaka Keizo, the Japanese Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, expressed his sincerest gratitude for the collaboration between Japan, IOM and MoPS. “The Government of Japan has been contributing to the sustainable development in Lao People’s Democratic Republic through various levels, including supporting the formulation of the 9th National Socio-Economic Plan, and providing technical assistance to frontline officials at the border checkpoints. We are very pleased to be supporting this two-year project and I wish this cooperation great success.”

“IOM is extremely grateful to the Government of Japan and the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic for this collaboration. These funds are very timely, as the pandemic has put human mobility at the forefront of COVID-19 response. It is vital for us to work towards strengthening border management in an effective and humane manner, ultimately protecting migrants in vulnerable situations and capacitating frontline officials with the necessary skills and infrastructure.” said IOM’s Chief of Mission, Ms Shareen Tuladhar.

To support primary and secondary line border control procedures, the IOM-developed Verifier Travel Document and Bearer (Verifier TD&B) system will be provided. The Verifier TD&B is a stand-alone system to assist immigration and border control officers in detecting fraudulent travel documents and imposters.

Development of knowledge and skills of primary and secondary line border officials involved in document and identity verification processes will build on solid principles of respect to the human rights of all travellers. It will ultimately aim at identifying and protecting fundamental rights of vulnerable migrants, in line with international human rights commitments under international law.

As the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, while upholding border security and protecting migrants’ rights, IOM is committed in supporting Member States to address complex migration and border management challenges aiming to maintain the delicate balance between the facilitation of cross-border mobility and security.

Under its Health, Border and Mobility Framework, IOM sets to promote safe, orderly and regular migration at points of origin, transit, destination and return.

For more information, please contact Karen HO at IOM Vientiane. Tel. + 856 (21)267 795. Email: kho@iom.int