This article examines the structure and functions of border control agencies in various countries, particularly highlighting the global trend towards unified border control and comparing them with Malaysia's newly established Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
With the newly-formed Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency ( AKPS ), Malaysia joins the ranks of countries with a single enforcement entity managing their international borders. Most of these countries began adopting a unified border control agency as early as 2003, while Malaysia itself has been striving towards establishing one since 2008.
Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA), formed in April 2003 after merging the Immigration and Registration department with the Customs and Excise department, targets full rollout of contactless immigration clearance by 2025. This New Clearance Concept (NCC) utilizes facial biometrics, data analytics, and automation, reducing waiting time to 15 seconds for travelers who have enrolled their iris and facial biometrics. Meanwhile, ICA officers verify traveler details as they pass through automated lanes. The UK Border Force, comprising around 10,000 officers, is responsible for immigration and customs controls at around 140 ports (sea, rail, and air) across the UK and overseas. Established in 2012 outside the UK Border Agency (UKBA), which brought together customs, visas, and immigration functions in 2008, the UK Border Force was created after a report revealed a backlog of over 16,000 migrant applications for permission to stay in Britain. Since November 2023, the UK government has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for several countries, including Malaysia, allowing for digital permission to travel to the UK for stays up to six months at a time for over two years or until the holder's passport expires. Founded in 2015, the Australian Border Force (ABF) unified the country's Customs and Border Protection Service with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Emerging as the country's second-highest revenue collector in 2019, ABF has over 5,870 officers stationed across 66 locations. According to the agency's website, ABF inspects 1.1 million items, clears 700 ships and 750,000 air passengers, and locates 300 illegal migrants each week. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), formed in March 2003 following the 9/11 Commission recommendations, is the largest law enforcement agency within the country's Department of Homeland Security. With over 58,000 employees, CBP oversees over 300 ports of entry. As part of his immigration crackdown, President Donald Trump ordered the agency to shut down its CBP One app in January 2021, which allowed migrants to schedule appointments to apply for asylum-seeker status at the country's entry points
BORDER CONTROL AKPS MALAYSIA SINGAPORE UK AUSTRALIA UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION CUSTOMS
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Malaysia Launches Single Border Control AgencyDeputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced the launch of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), which will streamline border operations nationwide. AKPS combines resources and expertise from various agencies, including Immigration and Customs, to enhance efficiency and integrity at entry points.
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Malaysia Expands Border Control Agency OperationsThe Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) will expand its operations after reviewing data from 19 entry points. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the agency will prioritize air entry points, particularly international airports, before expanding to land and sea borders. AKPS was launched today with over 6,000 officers and staff absorbed from various government agencies, with a target of 12,000 staff when fully operational.
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