PUTRAJAYA: The co­­­ming meeting be­­tween Asean immi­gra­­tion heads next month is expected to be the stepping stone towards creating the Asean immi­gration block or network, says Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali.

Pushing for it, the Immigration Depart­ment director-general said such a pact would enable more cohesive cooperation on immigration matters in the region.

“The strength of such a pact is different compared to one country voicing its concerns or suggestions.

“I had suggested in a previous meeting for such a pact to be established.

“Malaysia is hosting this year’s meeting, so I am definitely going to raise the matter again,” he said in an interview at the department’s headquarters recently.

The Immigration block could follow the template of the police’s network of Chiefs of Asean Police (Aseanapol) or even Interpol, added Mustafar.

“If the police in the region and the rest of the world can establish Aseanapol and Interpol, I don’t see any reason why Immigration can’t do the same.

“Some might argue that it is easier for the police force of different na­tions to work together as their jurisdiction and job scope is more or less similar.

“But it is not the same for Immi­gra­tion.

“I realised that in some countries, Im­­mi­­­­­gra­tion is only in charge of border security while others are tasked with issuing passports and visas.

“In Malaysia, we do all of that.

“Immigration heads will discuss the matter further when we meet in Kuala Lumpur next month,” he said.

While the dream of having an Asean Immigration pact is not expected to be achieved in the near future, Mustafar believes next month’s meeting is a starting point.

“I strongly feel it is time for such a block to be established.

“I have said this before – it is not business as usual – as every country must step up its efforts tackling immigration issues, including trans-border crime.

“One of the ways is to establish this pact,” he said.

The 22nd Meeting of Asean Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions will be held in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 6 to Aug 10.