The effectiveness of coordinated measures was highlighted at the 4th Vietnam - UK migration and immigration dialogue held in London in late March by Simon Ridley, Acting Permanent Secretary at the UK Home Office, and Senior Lieutenant General Pham The Tung, Deputy Minister of Public Security of Vietnam.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in preventing illegal migration, accelerating the return of citizens, combating human trafficking, and promoting safe and legal migration routes.

The implementation of the joint cooperation plan on migration issues has yielded encouraging results. Notably, the number of Vietnamese nationals entering the UK illegally by small boats has significantly declined compared to the same period previously.

At the same time, repatriation efforts have shown clear improvement, with the number of citizens returned home over the past year doubling year on year, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms between the two countries’ agencies.

In addition, communication campaigns in Vietnam highlighting the risks of illegal migration have proven effective, reaching more than 12 million social media users and raising public awareness.

At the dialogue, Ridley said the UK Home Office is implementing reforms to strengthen border control, address the root causes of illegal migration, and expand safe and legal migration pathways.

He emphasised that international cooperation, including with Vietnam, plays a key role in achieving the UK Government’s migration management goals. The latest dialogue further reinforces both sides’ commitment to addressing shared challenges.

Looking ahead, the two countries agreed to continue implementing concrete measures to deepen cooperation, including accelerating repatriation procedures through simplified processes and enhancing the sharing of biometric data.

Public communication efforts will also be intensified to raise awareness of the consequences of illegal migration. Providing accurate and timely information is seen as a crucial measure to prevent violations at an early stage.

Amid increasingly complex global migration dynamics, strengthened cooperation between Vietnam and the UK is expected to contribute to more effective migration management, ensuring security, social order, and the protection of citizens’ legitimate rights.

Vietnam reviews five-year implementation of global compact for migration

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 19 held a conference to review five years of implementing Vietnam’s plan for the UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).