Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 11 February 2024
In a significant development aimed at enhancing immigration procedures in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Andaman and Nicobar Police, in partnership with the Bureau of Immigration (BoI) Chennai, successfully concluded a comprehensive two-week Basic Immigration Training program. This initiative saw the training of 75 A & N Police personnel designated for the Immigration Branch at Port Blair.
Led by distinguished faculty members from the Bureau of Immigration Chennai, the training focused on equipping participants with essential skills in immigration procedures, particularly emphasising international passenger clearance. This preparation comes in anticipation of upcoming international flights at VSI Airport and the declaration of Port Blair Seaport as an e-visa entry port, intended to bolster Yacht & Cruise Liners tourism in the A & N Islands.
The training program covered a wide array of topics including e-visas, visa on arrival, issuance of Temporary Landing Permits, issuance of Shore Leave Passes to crew members, scrutiny of travel documents, and identification of forged travel documents. This holistic approach aimed to ensure that officers are well-prepared to handle the operational demands at VSI Airport and Port Blair Seaport effectively.
Throughout the two weeks of intensive training, a collaborative learning environment was fostered, allowing participants to engage actively in discussions, simulations, and hands-on exercises. Such interactive sessions contributed significantly to the professional development of law enforcement personnel involved in immigration control, keeping them abreast of evolving trends and challenges in the field.
Dr. P. Ve Arunshakthi Kumar, FRRO Chennai, played a pivotal role in enriching the training program with insights and expertise during a dedicated session. His contributions added significant value to the participants’ understanding of the intricacies involved in immigration procedures.
The successful conclusion of this Basic Immigration Training program marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance immigration control measures in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It underscores the commitment of the Andaman and Nicobar Police and their collaborative efforts with the Bureau of Immigration Chennai in ensuring efficient and effective immigration processes, thereby contributing to the overall security and development of the region.