BI partners with Australia to enhance border management

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco during an inspection of operations at NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3 last April 5, 2023. | PHOTO: Official facebook page of Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that it has partnered with the Australian government to strengthen cooperation and the sharing of best practices on border management.

According to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Saturday, officials of the BI attended a study tour program in Canberra organized by the Australia Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force from February 5 to 8.

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“We participated in the program to understand Australia’s approaches and strategies in these areas, with a view to adapting and implementing best practices in the context of Philippine immigration,” Tansingco said.

“The program also offered opportunities for the BI delegation to explore innovative technologies and operational methodologies utilized by Australian authorities,” he added.

The immigration commissioner also expressed interest in discussions on advanced passenger information used in pre-vetting arriving foreign nationals, methods to combat human trafficking, and strategies in counter-terrorism.

“Activities like this help us gain more perspective about international trends that we can implement in the country,” Tansingco said.

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