Migration staff in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean are trained in the identification of false documents and identity theft
The growing migratory flow in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean has brought with it the need to streamline border transit. In fact, in March 2024, 6,465,987 regular entries were recorded in Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico, Honduras and the Dominican Republic, while the same month recorded 5,660,453 in 20231. Given this increase in activity at entry points to countries, practices such as the use of modern technologies in the production of false documents have been detected, which pose a challenge to border security in the region.
In response to this situation, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) trained 15 officials from migration authorities in seven Central American and Caribbean countries responsible for inspecting travel documents to strengthen their capacity to detect crimes such as identity theft and the identification of fraudulent documents.
The activity took place from August 5 to 8 in San José, Costa Rica, and included theoretical sessions given by experts from Latin America to provide participants with specific technical knowledge related to the detection of document fraud, such as the recognition of security measures embedded in the paper (watermarks, threads, fibers), printing systems, among others. The training was complemented with practical sessions that included visits to the Juan Santamaría international airport, where, through simulated situations, participants were able to apply what they had learned to develop expertise in these issues.
Ms. Ana Durán, IOM Deputy Regional Director for the Americas, said that “travel documents, such as passports and visas, are common targets for forgers and criminals. Therefore, it is essential to have tools and trained experts to verify the authenticity of these documents and detect falsified ones early on”.
As a result of the training, a network of focal points was created to share knowledge and lessons learned regarding the different document forgery and counterfeiting techniques found in the region. The network will also facilitate the possibility of creating and strengthening synergies and cooperation between authorities from different countries. In addition, as a follow-up action, these individuals will be able to replicate the training process they received in each of their countries.
This activity was carried out in the framework of IOM's Western Hemisphere Program (WHP) with funding from the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) and is aligned with international instruments related to migration and human rights, such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (goals 4, 9, 10, 11,12 and 23), and the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically targets 10.7, 16.a, 17.6, 17.9, 17.16.
2Las sesiones fueron facilitadas por la Señora Monica Rosa Peralta, Jefa del Departamento de Análisis Documental de la Dirección de Información Análisis y Control Migratorio de Argentina y el Señor Arlington Duran, Instructor del Instituto Nacional de Migración de la Republica Dominicana.