The Bureau of Immigration (BI) joined more than 20 countries at the 5th Tokyo Immigration Service in Japan to discuss challenges like human trafficking and transnational crime.
From December 10 to 12, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado attended the summit organized by Japan's Immigration Services Agency in Tokyo. Representatives from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United States, and Turkey were also present.
During the plenary session, Viado delivered the Philippines' statement on recently introduced immigration measures, focusing on digital transformation initiatives. He discussed shared challenges faced by immigration authorities worldwide, including irregular migration, human trafficking, transnational crime, and evolving threats to border security.
"These are challenges no country can address alone. Forums like this allow us to cooperate, learn from one another and build border systems that are secure, efficient, humane and responsive to the demands of lawful travel and economic growth," Viado said.
He highlighted the Philippines' ongoing immigration reforms under the Bagong Immigration agenda, which prioritizes public service excellence, empowered personnel, robust law enforcement, operational efficiency, responsive infrastructure, and modernization through technology. Key initiatives shared included the Advance Passenger Information System, expansion of electronic gates and biometric systems at major ports of entry, the dedicated OFW Wing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the Cruise Visa Waiver Program, and continued rollout of online services through the BI’s eServices and the government’s eTravel platform.
The forum also addressed best practices in recruitment and human resource development for immigration officers, health and hygiene management for detainees, and the future of border control through new technologies and digitalization.
