A new Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection and Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security will provide a formal framework for the return of Vietnamese nationals that have attempted to enter Australia illegally.
The agreement was signed by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton and Vietnam's Minister of Public Security Colonel General To Lam, in Canberra on December 13.
According to Dutton, this is a significant milestone in Australia's bilateral relationship with Vietnam and an important part of our broader efforts to counter illegal migration in the region.
"The coalition government is committed to protecting our borders, stamping out people smuggling and preventing people risking their lives at sea," he said.
Since 2015, the Australian and Vietnamese Governments have worked together to return 113 Vietnamese nationals from three vessels intercepted by the Australian Border Force under Operation Sovereign Borders.
"Australia's borders are stronger than ever and our tough border protection policies are here to stay," Dutton added.
Australia and Vietnam look forward to further deepening the bilateral immigration and border protection relationship, which is underpinned by our shared interests in facilitating regular trade and migration in the region. Co-operation currently includes regular dialogue, training and capacity building initiatives.
