Regional Support Office of the Bali Process

07/03/2025

: Research from the RSO has shown that in Southeast Asia, women are three times more likely to choose irregular migration routes for personal or family reasons than men?

The RSO’s latest report on Community Perceptions and Information Needs of Persons at Risk of Irregular Migration reveals that the influence of personal and family issues on a woman's migration decisions is more than three times higher than that of a man.

Women may pursue marriage migration to improve their economic status back home, and to attain greater social status and increased autonomy in decision making. abroad heightens women's exposure to , social isolation, and limited access to resources.

Women may choose to undertake a risky migration journey, as a result of considerations around and in contexts where women face gender-based discriminatory practices, systemic exclusions, and domestic . These vulnerabilities push women to migrate through irregular channels.

A key informant to the report stated, "Women in some countries have to obtain the written approval of their husbands to migrate, so, they prefer using the irregular route to migrate".

The new report makes policy recommendations for States, civil society, private sector, and development partners, with a specific focus on information programmes targeting behaviour changes of persons who are in situations of vulnerability and are likely to pursue irregular migration journeys.

Read the report ➡️ https://buff.ly/0M1ewEy

07/03/2025

The RSO participated in Thailand's Second Modern Slavery Conference this week, which brought together government interlocuters, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector highlighting efforts to counter forced labour, and to protect its citizens from situations of exploitation.

The RSO commends the efforts of the Royal Thai Government aimed at countering forced labour, and protecting its citizens from situations of exploitation.

Thailand is a key destination country in Southeast Asia for workers originating from neighbouring countries including Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao People's Democratic Republic. Thailand's porous borders provide an opportunity for individuals to pursue irregular labour migration, particularly youth and people under 30.

Key takeaways from the Conference:

• Prevention efforts such as public awareness raising are a cornerstone in countering forced labour in Thailand. These prevention efforts should effectively address the root causes of forced labour, which create vulnerabilities in victims of forced labour.

• Support needs to be extended to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to support greater compliance to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in supply chains.

• Labour migration pathways should be diversified through bilateral and multilateral arrangements to enhance the accessibility of regular labour migration channels.

06/03/2025

💡RSO Highlights Issue 9 is out now!💡

The movement of people across borders—and the whole-of-society impacts that result—are key issues for every government to manage. Proactive and effective responses to support safe and orderly movements require coordinated action, strong partnerships, and practical solutions.

This issue highlights practical and technical support provided to Bali Process Member States by the RSO to strengthen cooperation on refugee protection and international , including trafficking in persons, people smuggling and related transnational crime. Read to learn more about:

▶️ The RSO's priority efforts and support, as set out through the RSO 2024-2026 Strategic Plan and 2024-2026 Work Plan
▶️Insights from the Third RSO Border Forum and 2025 Alumni Day
▶️Recommendations from a new research report on community perceptions and information needs among those at risk of irregular migration

Read the full newsletter: https://buff.ly/4azfjkZ
Subscribe to receive future editions: https://buff.ly/JpCByCO

03/03/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined the RSO Members' Engagement Function!

Members of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, regional partners, Royal Thai Government officials, and stakeholders connected in Bangkok at last week's networking event, which featured a spoken word and visual performance on the lived experience of statelessness. A digital photography exhibition by renowned photographer Greg Constantine highlighted the importance of inclusive civil registration and legal identity for all.

27/02/2025

🚨New Report Launch!

RSO is pleased to announce the launch of the Assessment of Community Perceptions and Information Needs of Persons at Risk of Irregular Migration: Evidence from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand ➡️ https://buff.ly/3DcB5WH

The report draws on the lived experiences of 612 individuals in irregular situations, who have undertaken journeys along key irregular migration routes in South and Southeast Asia. These findings are enhanced by the insights of 41 practitioners & experts spanning governments, CSOs, IOs & academia from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, & Thailand.

💡Why This Matters

While information dissemination & public awareness raising have become a key preventative measure to address irregular migration, with significant investments made in awareness campaigns, there has been limited evidence about their effectiveness. The assessment provides insights into how persons at risk of irregular migration & their communities perceive irregular migration, & what their information needs are.

👥 Who it is for

👔 Government agencies 🤝 Civil society, 💼 the private sector, and 🌍 development partners

🔍Key Takeaways

✅ Gender dimensions: Significant disparities exist in how men & women navigate migration decisions—41% of female respondents moved without seeking prior information, compared to 29% of men & were 3 times more likely to cite personal/family reasons for migration.

✅ Information landscape: Despite extensive regional outreach programs, only 4% of surveyed migrants accessed formal pre-migration information, with the majority relying on informal networks. Friends & family abroad emerged as the most trusted information sources.

✅ Decision-making patterns: Awareness of risks does not necessarily deter irregular migration—98% of Indonesian respondents would choose the same pathway again, despite 45% acknowledging its negative aspects.

✅ Perceptions Dynamics: Origin and destination communities show markedly different views of irregular migration—while 75-89% of origin communities maintain neutral or positive perspectives, host countries demonstrate increasing concerns, particularly during crisis periods.

✅ Vulnerability patterns: 85% of surveyed migrants did not explore regular migration pathways, w/ economic pressures, conflict, and limited information access emerging as interconnected drivers rather than isolated factors.

The RSO would like to thank Mixed Migration Centre for undertaking this research.

We appreciate the migrants who contributed with lived experiences to this assessment, the experts and practitioners who provided the context to develop a comprehensive understanding to (irregular) migration trends and perceptions and to the following contributors: the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Royal Thai Government, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Government of Malaysia.

📥 Download the full report here: https://buff.ly/3DcB5WH

RSO 2023 Constructive Dialogue brought together some 120 senior officials and representatives across 28 Bali Process Member States and Organisations, 11 Observer States and Organisations and 13 regional partner organisations representing expert views and experience from NGOs, CSOs, and the private s...

26/02/2025

🌏The Asia-Pacific region is host to 27 million international migrant workers. International migration and the numbers of people moving in search of opportunity and a better life continues to rise - as do the risks faced by those moving across borders.

between governments, law enforcement agencies, international organisations, and the private sector is essential to support safe, informed and orderly migration, free from exploitation.

At this week's Third RSO Constructive Dialogue, senior government officials, policymakers, and international experts from across the Bali Process membership will share updates on promising practices and opportunities for collaboration - at various stages along an international migration journey. Discussions will consider:

💡 Pre-travel considerations – the importance of access to legal identity in encouraging legal migration routes, promising practices around promoting legal pathways for , mitigating risks around online recruitment, and enhancing community awareness and informed decisions about travel

💡Border management – challenges and innovations in identification and screening for potential victims of trafficking, border technology innovations, countering document fraud, and law enforcement cooperation

💡Post-arrival realities and responses – protection and the non-punishment principle for victims of trafficking, prosecution of criminal actors, and support for sustainable returns and reintegration

Delegates are encouraged to share perspectives, experiences and solutions - that may shape future collective efforts across the Bali Process and progress commitments made under the 2023 Adelaide Strategy for Cooperation

21/02/2025

Migration journeys and the decisions behind them are rarely linear. 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 brought together more than 120 government officials, frontline officers, and migration experts from 40 Bali Process Member and Observer States to examine key border security challenges through a routes-based approach.

Discussions aimed to draw out critical insights into the region’s evolving migration challenges, and to identify opportunities and recommendations to address enduring challenges from those working at the frontline of border management. The Border Forum also provided a platform to enhance connections and to identify opportunities for cross-border cooperation.

Discussions honed in on 4 enduring challenges

🔎 Persistent gaps in information sharing and law enforcement coordination. Despite existing bilateral and regional frameworks, countries continue to rely on informal intelligence-sharing channels, such as WhatsApp groups and ad-hoc networks.

‼️Risks and rewards around border technology and automation. While biometric screening, AI-driven risk profiling, and e-Gates improve border efficiency, concerns persist about cybersecurity risks, potential biases, and the erosion of face-to-face officer interactions.

📲Technology-enabled smuggling and trafficking – for example through the exploitation of social media, digital payment systems, and encrypted communication platforms to recruit, coordinate, and exploit victims.

🚩Understanding of motivations, and influencers for those embarking on a journey where smuggling or trafficking may eventuate. 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 to embark on a journey. For government and civil society actors, understanding the most effective way to reach these same intended audiences is key.

Read more: https://buff.ly/4hMUVqy

18/02/2025

14/02/2025

🔎 Trafficking in persons generates in excess of $200 billion in illegal profits globally. Addressing this issue is crucial for regional stability and human rights.

🤝 The RSO met with Dr Wilfried A. Herrmann and colleagues from the Human Development Forum Foundation to explore potential collaborations, regional trends in trafficking in persons and people smuggling, and key opportunities for knowledge exchange.

Looking forward to building upon these discussions and exploring opportunities for partnership.

14/02/2025

During a recent visit to Dhaka, the RSO met with IOM Bangladesh to align on new strategies and to identify avenues to deepen our collaboration. IOM Bangladesh are at the forefront of efforts on the ground in countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, providing life-saving and life-changing support through victim protection, capacity building, and support for policy development.

As a valued Bali Process Member Organisation, their work strengthens the response to irregular migration. The RSO looks forward to continued work with IOM Bangladesh, regional policy makers, and frontline officers in efforts to enhance border security, and support safer migration pathways for communities in Bangladesh.

🌍

07/02/2025

This week, Government representatives, UN bodies and stakeholders came together for the Second Asia Pacific Regional Review of the Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Pleased to see recognition of the role of the Bali Process in advancing objectives by Member States.

The RSO is supporting alignment of priorities relating to providing a for all, and improving the response to and going missing along dangerous migration routes—including through the sharing of lessons, good practices, and recommendations promoting , and migration.

07/02/2025

DYK: An estimated 1 in 4 people around the world have fallen victim to an online scam—presenting life-changing consequences for victims who can lose life savings, and for governments and the formal banking industry in providing a ready response. 🌍💻

The UK Government will fund a series of three regional workshops over 2025, leveraging the RSO’s Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) curriculum, to support law enforcement in the Bali Process region, building capacity to proactively detect, investigate, and disrupt online recruitment tactics used by trafficking recruiters in cyber-scam centres. 🚨

By applying OSINT methods, officers will gain skills in coordinating online investigations, working with social media companies, and facilitating cross-border cooperation to combat this growing threat. 🌐

Read more here ➡️ https://buff.ly/4holNwT

RSO 2023 Constructive Dialogue brought together some 120 senior officials and representatives across 28 Bali Process Member States and Organisations, 11 Observer States and Organisations and 13 regional partner organisations representing expert views and experience from NGOs, CSOs, and the private s...

07/02/2025

Indonesia and Malaysia play a crucial role in the Bali Process by contributing to regional efforts to counter human trafficking and people smuggling. Both countries are nations of origin, transit and destination for migrant populations.

Indonesia, for example, is a key partner in efforts to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration, while Malaysia continues to play a key regional role through their Chairmanship of ASEAN in the protection of migrants across the region and as ASEAN Voluntary Lead Shepherd for People Smuggling.

During a recent visit to Dhaka, the RSO Co-Manager (Australia) and RSO staff engaged in several meaningful discussions with the Indonesian Embassy Dhaka and the High Commission of Malaysia to Bangladesh.

Discussions centred around the current human trafficking and people smuggling challenges impacting Bangladesh and the broader region in addition to the protracted Rohingya crisis and evolving migration trends. We agree that enhanced regional cooperation remains a critical objective with the need for investment in innovative approaches to resolve migration challenges. 🌍🤝

Through the Bali Process, Indonesia and Malaysia remain key in the promotion of efforts to improve migration management and ensure safer pathways for migrants and refugees.

06/02/2025

🌏ICYMI: A policy roundtable co-hosted by the RSO, IOM, UNHCR, and ICRC brought together experts, policymakers, and frontline responders to tackle the growing issue of people going missing along perilous routes in Asia.

Over two days, the roundtable highlighted the escalating risks migrants who may be in vulnerable situations and refugees face, and emphasised the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation to improve responses.

➡️Read more: https://buff.ly/3WJscuj

RSO 2023 Constructive Dialogue brought together some 120 senior officials and representatives across 28 Bali Process Member States and Organisations, 11 Observer States and Organisations and 13 regional partner organisations representing expert views and experience from NGOs, CSOs, and the private s...

06/02/2025

As Co-Chair of the Bali Process, Australia plays a key role in fostering and coordinating regional action, including on law enforcement, protection and public information.

David Scott, RSO Co-Manager (Australia) and members of the RSO team met with colleagues from the Australian High Commission in Dhaka this week with discussions focusing on collective efforts to counter trafficking in persons and people smuggling through the Bali Process region. 🌍🤝

Key areas of discussion included evolving migration trends, trafficking and smuggling of Rohingya and the ongoing need for improved regional cooperation, as well as plans to uptick capacity development activities with Bangladesh agencies and ministries.

The discussions on capacity-building programs spoke to the importance of the sharing of promising practices and case studies with the objective of improving law enforcement investigative capabilities, that includes advancing trafficking victim identification and protection measures.

Through the Bali Process, Australia and Bangladesh are working together to improve cross-border collaboration, tackle trafficking networks, and reinforce protection measures for vulnerable populations.

06/02/2025

04/02/2025

📍The RSO is in Dhaka this week for talks with the People's Republic of Bangladesh government counterparts on tackling trafficking in persons and people smuggling. 🌍

As a key regional player in the fight against trafficking in persons, Bangladesh faces ongoing challenges, including trafficking for forced criminality and labour exploitation. A source, transit, and destination country - Bangladesh efforts remain essential in effective regional responses towards trafficking in persons.

Discussions with the People's Republic of Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs & the People's Republic of Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on strengthening capacity, advancing multilateral partnerships, and efforts underway to renew Bangladesh's next National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. Government efforts to counter the trafficking and smuggling of Rohingya refugees was also discussed.

🤝 The RSO looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh colleagues in the weeks and months ahead in joint capability development and policy efforts.

28/01/2025

Effective border management is essential for ensuring the safety of all travelers.

💡The Third RSO Border Forum kicks off today with over 120 experts from across the gathering to discuss threats, trends and promising practices to enhance border management and migrant protection along international migration routes.🌐

Follow below for updates 🔽