La Gi, Binh Thuan, Dec 2015

During the final days of 2015, IOM Viet Nam organized an evaluation session about illegal migration to Australia by boat in La Gi Town, Binh Thuan province, known as the departure spot of several boats illegally going to Australia in the first 6 months of 2015.

The evaluation methods includes focus group discussions with local authorities, potential migrants and in-dept interviews with returnees. Due to serious lack of information and myths about better life in Australia when allowed to settle there, many residents went onboard, finding an illegal way to Australia then it was too late when they realized the high price for that wrong decision.

This activity aims to analyze the situation and bring out some suitable communication solutions to improve public awareness for better illegal migration prevention, as well as safe migration ways, avoiding cheated or involved in illegal migration activities, especially illegal mirgation to Australia by boat.

Local authorities and related organizations showed their commitment in collaboration and involvement in the communication campaign, with the responses to prevent this issue.

During 14-19th January, 2 training sessions about communication skills for community peer-educators will be organized in Ba Ria - Vung tau and Binh Thuan.