Report on the use of fraudulent medical documents in travel and migration during the COVID-19 pandemic

Davy, Deanna (2022) Report on the use of fraudulent medical documents in travel and migration during the COVID-19 pandemic Bangkok. International Organization for Migration 37pp.

Abstract

The study titled Report on the Use of Fraudulent Medical Documents in Travel and Migration during the COVID-19 Pandemic seeks to support immigration and border management agencies in addressing the use of fraudulent COVID-19 medical documents in the context of migration. Data for this study are derived from the following: (a) review of recent literature; (b) survey disseminated to national immigration authorities in the Asia-Pacific region; and (c) semi-structured interviews with representatives of immigration agencies and experts. The study supports agencies responsible for checking travellers’ medical documents and facilitates authorities in identifying fraudulent documents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the report examines the following: (a) how and why fraudulent medical documents are used in this context; (b) prevalence of the documents used; (c) types of fraudulent documents identified; (d) profile of travellers and migrants; (e) reasons for travel; and (f) methods for sourcing fraudulent documents. The report further suggests actions for improving international coordination and strengthening mechanisms to identify fraudulent medical documents while identifying challenges encountered by the authorities in responding to the use of fraudulent medical documents. This research report is developed by the Document Examination Support Center initiative coordinated by the Immigration and Border Management Unit of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific of IOM.

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Contributors

Author: Deanna Davy

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