How Laos PDR is Securing Its Borders and Boosting Travel Through Advanced Passenger Solutions
By Mr. Soukphalak Thammavong, Deputy head of administration and personnel division, Department of Immigration of Lao PDR
As a land-linked nation with expanding business ties across the ASEAN region and a rapidly growing tourism sector, Laos PDR faced a critical challenge: how to maximize the economic benefits of increased travel while preserving the security and sovereignty of its borders. According to BG Gen. Saysaming Sivilay, Deputy Director General of Public Security, Laos PDR, sought “a balance between facilitating legitimate travel and protecting our borders,” prompting an in-depth exploration into advanced, data-driven solutions that could support this dual mission.
After assessing various options, our Department of Immigration identified the need to efficiently screen both inbound and outbound travelers in real-time, not only to fulfill strategic security objectives but also to comply with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). While passive API systems were initially considered, BG Gen. Saysaming said Laos PDR quickly noted that it would impose considerable burdens on resources without delivering the real-time information essential for pre-emptive border control. “Passive systems would demand significant resource investment but wouldn’t give us the responsiveness we needed,” he explained. “In contrast, an interactive API working in conjunction with a Passenger Name Record (PNR) system offered us a ‘virtual border’— an advanced, proactive layer of security that allows us to address potential risks before travelers arrive.”
Laos PDR’s decision to implement iAPI and PNR marked a departure from traditional border management methods, positioning it among the forward-thinking nations that use technology to manage travel security proactively. “This decision involved thorough planning and a commitment to change management, as we knew such a system would fundamentally shift how we conduct operations,” BG Gen. Saysaming noted.
Implementing these solutions required careful consideration of regulatory impacts and operational shifts for immigration personnel. Yet, Laos PDR moved forward with the transformation, anticipating significant long-term benefits. “We recognized that this degree of modernization would initially be demanding, but we knew it would enable us to manage who enters and exits our nation more effectively,” he said.
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, Laos PDR’s investment in iAPI and PNR systems proved invaluable. The interactive capabilities of these solutions gave the immigration agency an agile response to new and evolving health risks, allowing them to work alongside other government bodies in managing health and security threats. “The virtual border empowered us to assess and mitigate risks related to health and security dynamically,” he recalled. “We could calibrate our response based on real-time information, which was crucial as we navigated the pandemic’s impact on travel and managed the phased reopening of our borders.” This proactive stance helped ensure a smoother, more coordinated return to normalcy, protecting travellers and citizens while supporting the economy’s gradual reopening.
Today, Laos PDR’s iAPI and PNR systems deliver ongoing, multifaceted benefits. In reflecting on the successes achieved, BG Gen. Saysaming shared how the transition has transformed the approach of immigration personnel. “Our officers have shifted to a more strategic approach to risk management,” he said. “It’s no longer simply about screening travellers but understanding and addressing broader threats to our national security.”
One of the critical successes of the program was maintaining public confidence through regulatory compliance and data privacy. Laos PDR prioritised robust data protection measures to ensure high standards of integrity and trust. “Adhering to strict data privacy requirements was essential, not only for public confidence but also to gain the full support of our government and agency partners,” he explained. “This system functions within a framework of accountability, which has been foundational to its acceptance and success.”
Equally important was Laos PDR’s adoption of a “user-pay” model. This approach has made advanced technology accessible without compromising service quality or overextending the agency’s resources. “The user-pay system was crucial in enabling us to deliver a seamless, efficient experience for travellers while securing the funding needed to sustain this modernised framework. Rather than burdening our resources to build and maintain systems, the engagement of a service provider under the user pays model approach not only allowed us to access the very best capabilities, but the deployment of operational staff more effectively and efficiently – maximising our focus and effort on the security for our country” he stated. “It’s a reasonable exchange for the enhanced service, benefiting the public and our national security interests.”
The collaborative relationship with the solution provider also played a vital role in the program’s success. BG Gen. Saysaming credits Laos PDR’s service provider’s customisation and operational support as essential in achieving a smooth and impactful implementation and ongoing use. “Partnering with a provider who could customiseƒ the system to our specific needs made a substantial difference,” he shared. “The provider took on much of the setup work, which would have otherwise required resources we simply didn’t have. The solution they delivered went beyond standard API, meeting the unique requirements of our nation.”
Beyond real-time traveller assessments, the iAPI and PNR systems have introduced significant advantages in managing outbound passengers. “We’re now able to profile and monitor outbound travellers in real-time, strengthening our overall border management framework,” he explained. “It provides an extra layer of insight and control that has proven invaluable.”
BG Gen. Saysaming also noted that officers now benefit from a wealth of data-driven insights that make interviews with travellers more strategic and efficient. “With the system’s alerts and profiles, officers are far better prepared, allowing us to target interviews more precisely. This enables us to focus on high-priority cases and direct our resources more effectively.”
BG Gen. Saysaming encourages other states considering border modernisation to prioritise interactive API systems, especially when combined with PNR. “For any nation looking to enhance its border management capabilities, integrating iAPI with PNR offers a transformative approach. Together, they provide an unparalleled balance of security and facilitation. This dual capability is innovative and essential in an increasingly interconnected world, where nations must secure their borders without hindering legitimate travel.”
With the successful implementation of iAPI and PNR, Laos PDR has also positioned itself to adapt seamlessly to future technologies and emerging global challenges. “As security risks evolve and new technologies emerge, we now can integrate additional tools, ensuring that our border management remains resilient and forward-looking,” he noted. This flexibility means that Laos PDR is better prepared to respond to future threats, adjust to regulatory changes, and adopt next-generation technologies as they arise.
