Regional Support Office of the Bali Process

04/09/2026

🌏Irregular migration affects both countries of origin and destination, each navigating a different set of pressures.

The RSO convened a workshop on 'Addressing Irregular Migration: Perspectives and Lessons Learned from Regularisation Programmes' today in Bangkok, bringing together 45 representatives from governments, international organisations, the private sector, civil society, migrant-led organisations and academia to examine practical policy responses to irregular and undocumented labour migration.

Drawing on experiences from across Asia and beyond, discussions covered:
📍 Balancing labour-market needs, migrant protection, enforcement and public confidence
📍 The factors that contribute to irregular status, and perspectives from origin and destination countries
📍 Economic impacts and potential pull factors associated with regularisation programmes

Participants closed with practical recommendations on prevention, employer compliance, accessible pathways to regular status, and stronger cross-border cooperation.

The insights gathered will inform an upcoming policy brief on responses to irregular migration and lessons from programmes, as well as future regional dialogue and technical cooperation. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽

02/09/2026

📍Senior Officials from Member States met in Bangkok over 27–28 August for the 20th Steering Group and 19th Ad Hoc Group Senior Officials’ Meeting taking stock of regional cooperation on migration, people smuggling and trafficking in persons.

The RSO Co-Managers shared progress on the implementation of the RSO workplan over the past year, including more than 120 activities across 19 countries and capacity building for over 1,450 officials.

Looking ahead to the 2026–2028 Strategic Work Plan and the Bali Process’ 25th anniversary, the RSO will continue to support Member States by connecting evidence to action and building lasting capability. 🌏

02/09/2026

“I didn’t know if I’d ever see home again.”

Responded to a job ad on social media. Followed with a professional interview. A job offer and contract. And then quickly pressure to get on a flight abroad.

Taking this job wasn’t careless – the offer looked real, and that’s exactly how this form of trafficking works.

Learn more about fraudulent job offers and learn more about how to check an overseas job offer before you travel.

🔗 rso.baliprocess.net/what-the-job-ad-isnt-showing-you

Tag someone who’s thinking about working abroad. 👇

Read the latest news from the RSO and Bali Process to learn more about initiatives to improve border and migration management, the protection of vulnerable persons, and responding to transnational crime.

27/08/2026

💡Effective information campaigns can do more than raise awareness. They can help people make informed and safer migration decisions. To strengthen this impact, the RSO is refreshing the Bali Process Handbook on Addressing Irregular Migration through Effective Information Campaigns, with enhanced guidance on social and behaviour change communication approaches.

👥 On 19 and 20 August, secondees from the Regional Information, Liaison and Outreach Network (RILON) came together in Bangkok to review the updated Handbook and provide their feedback as practitioners.

🌏 Drawing on frontline operational experience from Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Timor Leste, the secondees worked through practical scenarios and assessed the guidance for its clarity, relevance, and usability.

Their insights will help ensure the final Handbook provides Bali Process Member States with practical and actionable guidance to design, implement, and monitor information campaigns that support safer migration outcomes.

21/08/2026

Dirgahayu Republik Indonesia! 🇮🇩

As commemorates its 81st Independence Day, we reflect on the courage, unity, and resilience that have shaped the nation, and the spirit that continues to carry it forward.

As Co-Chair of the Bali Process, Indonesia’s leadership continues to be felt across the region. The RSO was honoured to share in last night's celebration hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok and wishes all Indonesians a proud and joyful Independence Day.

17/08/2026

🇮🇩The RSO was honoured to welcome His Excellency Hari Prabowo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of Thailand, and colleagues from the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok to our offices to meet the team and discuss shared priorities for the current and upcoming work plan.

The RSO greatly values Indonesia's leadership as Co-Chair of the Bali Process in advancing regional cooperation on irregular migration, people smuggling, and trafficking in persons, and looks forward to continued close collaboration. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽

16/08/2026

Knowing the difference between a red flag and a green flag could help you make a safer decision. 🟢🔴

🚩 A recruiter asks you to travel on a tourist visa for work.
✅ A legitimate employer explains exactly what visa you’ll need, and why.

🚩 You’re asked to pay fees into someone’s personal bank account.
✅ Payments are transparent, documented, and made through official channels.

The safest job offers aren’t the ones that sound most exciting – they’re the ones you can verify.

🔗 rso.baliprocess.net/what-the-job-ad-isnt-showing-you

15/08/2026

Not every warning sign is obvious, but knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

Recruiters who avoid your questions. Pressure to decide quickly. Requests for payment. Promises that seem too good to be true.

These can all be signs that something isn’t right. If an overseas job opportunity makes you feel rushed, uncertain, or unable to verify the details, pause before saying yes.

Trust your instincts, but always verify the facts. 💚

🔗 rso.baliprocess.net/what-the-job-ad-isnt-showing-you

14/08/2026

14/08/2026

The hosted its first-ever Maritime Smuggling Workshop Series in the Philippines, bringing together regional partners to strengthen expertise, enhance cooperation, and address drug smuggling, people smuggling, and other maritime security threats in the Philippine-Malaysia corridor. 🌊

🔎The RSO delivered a session on Vulnerability Screening at the Border, which explored vulnerability indicators, screening challenges in frontline settings, and referral pathways that can support the identification and protection of individuals at risk of trafficking and exploitation. 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽