About us

The PIDC is a forum for Official Immigration Agencies of the Pacific Region. It was established as a result of an initiative taken by the first PIDC sponsored by the Forum Secretariat and held at its Headquarters 28th - 30th October 1996. The PIDC provides a forum for the heads of Immigration agencies to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest and to foster multilateral co-operation and mutual assistance aimed at strengthening participants' territorial borders and the integrity of their entry systems.

Key Focus Areas

The principal objective of the PIDC is to promote consultation and co-operation among immigration agencies within the region. The Conference will also provide for exchange of ideas, the dissemination of information and the provision of technical assistance.

PIDC aims to: PIDC 2006, Wellington

  • Encourage greater co-operation, communication and liaison between participating agencies, including the development and maintenance of communications between conferences;

  • Foster a co- ordinated approach to the implementation of any policies of Forum members having a regional focus;

  • Co-ordinate the exchange of technical assistance by and between participating member agencies; and

  • Act as a focal point for collaboration with other regional and international bodies and organisations such as the Forum Secretariat, Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP), Interpol, PACRIM, IATA, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and relevant United Nations agencies.

Roles and Responsibilities

Participating agencies will:

  • Use their best endeavours to accommodate requests for technical and training assistance from other participating member agencies;

  • Respond positively, to the extent permitted under domestic legislation and administrative procedures, to enquire or requests for assistance from participating agencies subject to national guidelines or bilateral or multilateral arrangements;

  • Hold an annual meeting in the territory of one of the participating member agencies, the timing and venue to be decided at the preceding meeting, and to assist, wherever possible, the host administration with the costs associated with hosting the meeting; and

  • Actively pursue appropriate funding sources to ensure the continuity and further development of the PIDC and its activities.

Management Board, Apia 2007

 

How we work

A Management Board oversees the work of the organisation between Annual Conferences and provides direction and guidance to the PIDC members on immigration related issues. The PIDC is further supported by a Secretariat based in Suva, Fiji. The Secretariat supports the organisation's work plan and has a dedicated research and analysis resource to assist members' policy-making processes.

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