China - A delegation of six senior Chinese officials from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has undertaken a four-day IOM-organized study tour to the United Kingdom.

The visit provided a forum for China and the UK to exchange experiences and enhance dialogue on issues of irregular migration, with a particular focus on alternatives to detention and voluntary return options for irregular migrants.

The tour included technical level meetings between UK and China officials, as well as field visits to various authorities and facilities in the UK.

The visit was part of a broader project: “Improving UK-China Cooperation on Illegal Migration,” which aims to build capacity for migration management in China and strengthen UK-China bilateral cooperation on migration.

The project focuses on increasing cooperation and capacity to manage irregular migration, including the provision of a voluntary return scheme for irregular migrants, with special procedures for the most vulnerable.

It also includes training workshops on international migration legal frameworks, best practices in migration management, and research on key migration policy issues.

”This activity will strengthen UK – China bilateral operational relationships and cooperation in the management of irregular migration, in areas such as identification of nationals, the role of communities in integration, and developing standard operational procedures,” said Pär Liljert, IOM Head of Office in Beijing.

For more information, please contact

Pär Liljert
IOM Liaison Office in China
Tel: +8610.5979.9695
Email: pliljert@iom.int