Fifty immigration officers are better equipped to examine and detect documents and have enhanced their skills to profile passengers and recognise imposters.

This was through a one-week training organised by the Seychelles Immigration Department and the British high commission on the detection of fraudulent documents, imposters and profiling of passengers.

With the liberalisation of air access and the increase of fraudulent travellers worldwide, it is vital for the immigration officers in Seychelles to boost their knowledge in order to continuously protect our borders and nation.

During the closing ceremony of the training which took place yesterday at the Seychelles Police Academy at Pointe Larue, the officers were presented with certificates by their trainer Kevan Clifton.

Present during the ceremony was the principal secretary (PS) for immigration and civil status Michel Marie and chief immigration officer Myriam Telemaque, among other key officials.

The training covered three groups – two groups followed two days of training while one group spent one day as a refresher course.

Mr Clifton, who is a chief immigration officer based in Nairobi, Kenya from the Risk Airline Liaison Office Network (Ralon), said it was his first trip to the island, everyone was friendly and they all worked very hard as well.

“During the course there were some excellent marks on the tests of imposters and document examination. I am sure they have plenty of knowledge to take back to the airport,” he said.

Ms Telemaque said hopefully the officers have acquired the necessary skills to discharge their responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

“It is becoming increasingly important for you as immigration officers to know how to deal with dubious and suspicious people coming in the country with their documents. Failure to do so might put our country and people at risk,” she said.

She added that such training will continue to be organised to empower immigration officers to detect fraudulent people and documents.

Two immigration officers, Christopher Bonnelame and Sylvie Sinon, said the training has made them more confident.

“Now I know what details to look for when I’ll be on the desk. Before it was more based on experience I have gathered while on the job and now upon receiving actual training from a professional I’m more confident and have more trust in myself to carry out these tasks,” said Mr Bonnelame.

Mr Bonnelame, who has been an immigration officer for over three years now, said that imposters and falsified documents is an occurring situation at the airport and is on the increase although not alarming.

“When someone comes in with false documents they usually have ulterior motives although they may not be targeting Seychelles. It’s rather frightening that these people are using our country as a transit destination to play out their plan and if the immigration officers here are not sharp enough to detect these people, it will paint a negative picture on our country in the end, which is something we don’t want to happen,” he explained.

Ms Sinon said: “Before there were particular details that we were not paying much attention to, but now I know what to look out for and it definitely makes it easier to detect someone who is an imposter who has come in our country with bad intentions, a fake passport and other fraudulent documents.”

Forrás: www.nation.sc