In response to unprecedented border management challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ad Hoc Policy Experts Gathering was convened to discuss shared concerns relating to irregular migration. Due to restrictions on face-to-face meetings, the gathering was held virtually via WebEx. This marked the first Bali Process meeting conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with discussions focused on charting a path forward for Bali Process activities and identifying the evolving needs of Member Governments. The meeting was chaired at Counsellor level by Australia and Indonesia.
The gathering:
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Brought together representatives from select Bali Process Ad Hoc Group Members and relevant experts to discuss current and emerging border management challenges arising from the global COVID-19 pandemic;
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Reflected on Member Governments’ existing capacities to respond to these challenges and identified opportunities for enhanced regional cooperation;
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Facilitated the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices in responding to COVID-related irregular migration issues; and
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Considered the policy challenges posed by COVID-19 in maintaining adherence to international norms and Bali Process commitments.
Participating Members shared experiences and identified areas for cooperation, including projects that the Bali Process Regional Support Office (RSO) could coordinate or support. This includes the development of guidelines for handling irregular migration during public health crises, providing a practical reference for Member Governments and other countries in the region for future preparedness and response.