Migration journeys are rarely linear—and decisions that influence migration are characterised by an intersection of economic, political, and social factors. Economic motivations, such as the search for better livelihoods and job opportunities, are prominent but are often mixed with other factors—including historical and cultural practices of migration in a region. Insecurity, conflict, and persecution also play significant roles, and in some instances exacerbate existing economic hardships.
The Third RSO Border Forum, held over 28–29 January 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, examined key border security challenges through a routes-based approach—aiming to draw out priority challenges as identified from those at the frontline, and seeking to enhance cross-border collaboration amongst Bali Process Member and Observer States.
Bringing together more than 120 senior government officials, frontline officers, and migration experts from some 40 Bali Process Member and Observer States, Organisations, and partners—participants shared challenges, promising practices, and recommendations for where efforts should be prioritised—through a series of panel conversations, small group discussions and mapping exercises.
Detailed discussions over the two days—chaired by Bali Process Member States and Organisations—allowed for focused insights around where operational barriers exist at a day-to-day level, and to seek frontline views on where a prioritisation of resources or effort could make the most impact.
Across discussions over the two days, delegates spoke to the need to:
- Strengthen information and intelligence sharing mechanisms through structured MOUs and formalised platforms and cross-border law enforcement initiatives
- Continue to embrace, build capacity and learn from each other’s successes and challenges in utilising technology at borders and in our roles as frontline officials
- Build understanding of motivations and influencers for those embarking on a journey where smuggling or trafficking may eventuate, and the best ways to provide trusted information.Delegates were challenged to consider—how could discussions be translated into practical, actionable solutions? What specific steps would be most effective for the delegate’s agency or country? What specific opportunities exist for strengthening cross-border collaboration and information sharing?
Delegates recognised information sharing as one of the biggest challenges in disrupting trafficking and smuggling networks with legal barriers and lack of trust among agencies.
Delegates spoke to the transnational nature of organised crime, highlighting the need for greater inter-agency coordination, rapid-response mechanisms, and proactive cross-border law enforcement strategies.
Legal constraints were highlighted as a barrier towards information sharing across borders and jurisdictions, particularly when dealing with complex issues like forced labor and trafficking in persons.
Practical challenges discussed in streamlining information sharing and communication included a continued reliance on manual data sharing, and for some countries, limited technology capabilities, capacity or resourcing to effectively use information-sharing platforms adopted at a regional level.
Joint Task Forces and cross border working groups were identified as one of the most effective ways to streamline communication and information sharing, establish focal points, and to foster trust across agencies and borders.
As semi-formal mechanisms, delegates noted that joint task forces and working groups were easier to establish and operationalise than more formal information-sharing routes such as bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
Delegates noted the importance of leveraging technology for border security, and benefits afforded by scaling up biometric verification and enhancing cyber intelligence screening capabilities. At the same time, delegates spoke to the continued need for human-inputs, both to oversee utilisation of new technologies, and to capture nuances that may be missed by current technology capabilities—for example in recognising signs of people smuggling or trafficking in persons.
Delegates noted that technology used for border security, such as AI systems and e-gates, can be hacked or tampered with, compromising the reliability of data. Smugglers often use high-quality fake documents that systems may miss, so border staff need to stay vigilant. Human oversight is also important in this regard, to avoid over-reliance on technology and to identify and prevent errors or manipulation.
Participants stressed the need to resource skills development and capacity building, by providing targeted training for border officers and prosecutors to improve detection and enforcement efforts, particularly where new technology is involved.
Understanding the motivations and influencers behind a decision to embark on a journey where smuggling or trafficking may eventuate remains key.
Victims are often misled by traffickers and continue to trust them despite red flags. Smugglers have developed sophisticated narratives that can push people into making a decision, presenting themselves as trusted guardians, creating false sense of urgency around decisions, and even marketing illegal travel as an adventure.
For government and civil society actors, understanding the most effective way to reach these same intended audiences is key. Smugglers and traffickers are increasingly exploiting social media, digital payment systems, and encrypted communication platforms to recruit, coordinate, and exploit victims.
The use of fake job advertisements, visa fraud, and online deception is making early detection of trafficking more challenging. Delegates called for stronger cooperation with technology companies, particularly to counter disinformation campaigns and detect illicit online recruitment tactics.
Building on the forum’s overarching theme of strengthening regional cooperation, a mapping exercise offered delegates an opportunity to share the complex realities of smuggling and trafficking routes. Participants were asked to identify key transit points, corridors, and modus operandi, shedding light on the interconnectedness of these challenges across borders and potential areas for collaboration.
The maps developed by delegates illustrated both well-known and emerging routes, revealing how transnational organised criminal groups adapt to enforcement efforts by shifting their operations across borders and exploiting legal loopholes – for example around visa-on-arrival policies.
The exercise provided critical insights into the evolving nature of migration routes, highlighting high-risk corridors, the use of fraudulent documentation, and the role of technology in recruitment and deception.
The exercise reinforced the importance of stronger bilateral and multilateral cooperation and underscored the need for coordinated strategies and enhanced information-sharing to effectively address the challenges posed by smuggling and trafficking operations across the region.
To support these efforts, the RSO is now digitising the collected maps using an online mapping tool, which will provide a visual representation of these migration routes.
As Iori Kato, the International Organization for Migration’s Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific noted: “By examining the complexities of each migration route as a totality, policymakers can design interventions that save lives, protect people on the move, and facilitate regular migration.”
David Scott, RSO Co-Manager (Australia) reflected “Discussions during the Third RSO Border Forum highlighted critical gaps in current approaches. Addressing these gaps will require targeted solutions that are implemented across agencies, sectors, and borders. While our challenges are significant, practical steps forward are possible through collaborative action.”
Challenges identified from the frontline by Bali Process Members at the Third RSO Border Forum will be presented back to Senior Official representatives across the Bali Process at the Third Constructive Dialogue—taking place over 28-29 February 2025—with the aim to support discussions and recommendations that may be taken back for action to representatives’ countries and organisations.
Expert contributions to the Border Forum came from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Australian Border Force, Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration, Fiji’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, the Mixed Migration Centre, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Maritime Enforcement Agency of Malaysia, INTERPOL, the Pacific Immigration Development Community, the Biometrics Institute, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, Bhutan Immigration Office, the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police, ASEAN National Police, and the Royal Thai Police.
