The Co-Chairs of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, Australia and Indonesia, convened the 19th Ad Hoc Group Senior Officials’ Meeting on 28 August 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting brought together senior officials from Bali Process Member States, observers and international organisations to discuss regional migration challenges, strengthen cooperation on countering irregular migration, people smuggling and trafficking in persons, and identify priorities for future engagement.
The meeting opened with an update from the Bali Process Steering Group and discussions on preparations to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Bali Process in 2027. Participants exchanged views on the future direction of the Process and opportunities to further strengthen regional collaboration.
Key highlights of the meeting included:
Updates from Member States and Observers on:
- National and regional priorities for cooperation on countering irregular migration, people smuggling and trafficking in persons for 2026 and 2027.
- Emerging challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation.
- Future plans for engagement across Bali Process mechanisms and initiatives.
Thematic presentations on:
- Online scams and associated transnational crime trends, presented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
- The Regional Information, Liaison and Outreach Network (RILON) Maritime People Smuggling Response Group, presented by the Regional Support Office (RSO).
Reports from Bali Process mechanisms, including:
- The Government and Business Forum (GABF).
- The Regional Support Office (RSO).
- The Working Group on Trafficking in Persons (WG-TIP), co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia.
- The Working Group on the Disruption of People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Networks (D-WG), co-chaired by Viet Nam and New Zealand.
- The Task Force on Planning and Preparedness (TFPP), co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia.
- The Technical Experts Group on Returns and Reintegration (TEG-RR), co-chaired by the Philippines and Australia.
The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the Co-Chairs and consideration of the Co-Chairs’ Statement, reaffirming the commitment of Bali Process members to practical regional cooperation in addressing people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crime.
