As part of its initiatives under the ASEAN Committee in Seoul (ACS) for the second half of 2025, Thailand, in its capacity as the Acting Chair of ACS, organised a special engagement session with the Acting Commissioner of the Korea Immigration Service (KIS). The session was held on 29 August 2025 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, and marked a significant milestone in ASEAN – ROK relations, particularly in the area of immigration cooperation.
The Embassy of Malaysia was represented by its Deputy Chief of Mission, who joined other ASEAN Member States’ Ambassadors and colleagues in this hour-and-a-half dialogue aimed at fostering closer communication and mutual understanding with KIS. This was the first engagement of its kind initiated by the ACS with the KIS, reflecting ASEAN’s collective commitment to enhancing institutional dialogue with key Korean government agencies. The session provided an open and constructive platform for both sides to exchange views on a broad spectrum of issues, including immigration procedures, visa policies, labour mobility, and the welfare of ASEAN nationals residing in the Republic of Korea.
The meeting also served as an opportunity to raise specific concerns and seek clarifications on immigration-related matters affecting ASEAN citizens, while exploring avenues for improved coordination and information-sharing moving forward.
The Embassy of Malaysia welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed its support for future dialogues of this nature, which are instrumental in strengthening ASEAN – ROK cooperation and addressing practical challenges faced by ASEAN nationals in the host country.
