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BCBP Bids Farewell to UNCTAD In-country Expert Mr. Rizwan Khan

On January 14, 2026, The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) ASYCUDA Team met with Mr. Mohammed Rizwan Khan over lunch to formally present him with a Certificate of Appreciation, recognizing his instrumental role in the successful implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) in the Republic of Palau. During the gathering, both Mr. Khan and BCBP representatives exchanged words of appreciation, expressing their gratitude to all stakeholders involved and reaffirming their shared commitment to continued success and unity. The luncheon was graciously hosted by Mr. Khan as a token of appreciation for BCBP’s continued support and collaboration throughout the ASYCUDA implementation process.

Mr. Khan has served as a key technical expert and advisor to the Bureau since 2022, providing leadership, professionalism, and technical guidance throughout Palau’s customs digital modernization and transformation journey. His contributions have been pivotal in strengthening trade facilitation, enhancing transparency, improving regulatory compliance, and supporting more efficient and effective border management operations.

Through his dedication and expertise, Mr. Khan played a vital role in advancing BCBP’s digital transformation initiatives, laying a strong foundation for modernized customs procedures and automated systems that continue to benefit the Bureau, the business community, and the people of Palau. His service exemplifies the values of accountability, innovation, integrity, and unity that guide the Bureau’s mission and has meaningfully contributed to safeguarding Palau’s borders while reinforcing public trust.

As Mr. Khan departs Palau on a new assignment, the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection extends its sincere appreciation for his invaluable service and lasting contributions. BCBP wishes him continued success in his future endeavors and a safe journey home.

Sulang Rizwan and best wishes on your next chapter.

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BCBP Holds Final Inspection and Farewell Ceremony Honoring Director John Tarkong Jr. and Recognizing Officers’ Service

On December 5, 2025 – The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) held a Final Inspection and Farewell Ceremony at the One Stop Shop Building to honor outgoing Director John Tarkong Jr., who retires after 32 years of dedicated government service—including 26 years with Customs and 6 years with the Bureau of Public Safety.

The ceremony also served as a formal recognition of the continued service and commitment of all Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity (CIB) officers who safeguard Palau’s borders every day.

The event was witnessed by His Excellency President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., along with Ministry of Finance Director Gail Rengiil, Director Elway Ikeda, Director Eden Uchel, and Director Conrad Ellechel.

In his final address, Director Tarkong conducted a formal inspection of officers and expressed deep appreciation for their unwavering professionalism and sacrifice. “As border security law enforcement officers, it is our responsibility to uphold the safety and security of Palau and its citizens,” Tarkong stated. “We took an oath, and it is up to us to keep that promise of protection. I thank each and every one of you for your continued service—your long nights, your dedication, and your professionalism do not go unnoticed. Together, we have built a resilient institution that safeguards our nation’s borders with integrity and pride.”

President Whipps commended Director Tarkong’s enduring legacy and his pivotal role in strengthening Palau’s national security. “Director Tarkong leaves behind a legacy of discipline, integrity, and unwavering service,” President Whipps said. “Through drug and immigration interdictions, modernization of customs systems, and his leadership across the bureau and the community—including his commitment to Palau’s wrestling team—he has strengthened our nation. Even in retirement, we will continue to seek his guidance and wisdom.”

The President concluded the ceremony by presenting Director Tarkong with the Certificate of Distinguished Service, recognizing his lasting contributions to Palau.

As BCBP enters a new chapter of leadership, today’s ceremony reaffirmed the Bureau’s continued commitment to strong, unified border protection—particularly in an era of increasing risks from illegal drugs, illicit activities, and biosecurity threats.

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Palau Completes Final Validation Workshop for First National Migration Policy

On October 16, 2025 – Marked a significant milestone for the Republic of Palau with the successful completion of the final validation workshop for the draft National Migration Policy and Action Plan. This achievement represents the culmination of more than eighteen months of dedicated work, cross-sector collaboration, and extensive national dialogue.

Throughout the development process, consultations were held with over 40 stakeholders across government ministries, civil society organizations, the private sector, the Palauan diaspora, and international partners. Their perspectives and contributions have been instrumental in shaping a policy that reflects Palau’s national priorities, social context, and long-term development vision.

The Government of Palau extends its appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in this effort, helping to build a policy framework that will guide the nation’s approach to migration management, mobility, and diaspora engagement for years to come.

A special acknowledgment is extended to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Palau team—Frederica Rodrigues, Yumie Morishita, and Natasha Katusiime—for their exceptional leadership and coordination throughout the drafting process. Their work in facilitating consultations, consolidating national inputs, drafting policy chapters, and ensuring the process remained inclusive and well-structured has been critical to the successful completion of this draft.

The draft National Migration Policy and Action Plan now moves forward to the next steps in the adoption process. Once endorsed, it will serve as Palau’s first comprehensive national framework to guide migration governance and support the country’s economic development, societal well-being, and international engagement.

Palau remains committed to strengthening its migration systems in ways that support national resilience, safeguard social cohesion, and empower communities at home and abroad.

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Oath of Office Swearing-in Ceremony of Newly Appointed Chief of Immigration

Koror, Palau – The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection proudly announces the official swearing-in of Mr. Egan Tewid as the new Chief of Immigration under the Division of Immigration. The ceremony took place on Thursday, April 17, 2025, signifying a new chapter in leadership for Palau’s immigration services.

The Oath of Office was administered by Director of the Bureau of Public Safety, Mr. Curtis Elobt, and witnessed by Director of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Mr. John Tarkong Jr., Chief of Corporate Services, Mr. Robert Tarkong, along with Mr. Tewid’s family members who were present to commemorate the occasion.

Mr. Tewid holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Guam and previously worked under the Bureau of Budget and Planning, where he gained valuable experience in public sector planning and operations. His background in criminal justice and his understanding of government systems position him well to lead the Division with competence and purpose.

As Chief of Immigration, Mr. Tewid will oversee immigration operations, ensure the enforcement of immigration laws, facilitate effective inter-agency coordination, and support efforts to modernize immigration services. His leadership is expected to strengthen institutional integrity, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service to the public and travelers.

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection welcomes Chief Tewid into this key leadership role and looks forward to his contributions in advancing the mission and goals of the Division of Immigration for the Republic of Palau.

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Palau Takes Major Step Towards Developing National Migration Policy

Malakal – The Government of Palau, with technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has made significant progress in creating the country’s first national migration policy. On February 6-7, 2025, stakeholders convened in Malakal to review findings from a research study on Palau’s migration context.

The study, conducted by IOM and commissioned by the Government of Palau, forms the foundation for the nation’s migration policy. IOM consulted nearly 30 key stakeholders and conducted an extensive literature review to ensure the policy is based on robust data and evidence.

The workshop brought together members of the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Working Group, government entities, civil society organizations, migrant associations, the diplomatic corps, and other key actors involved in migration governance.

Participants discussed five critical themes: Emigration, Diaspora Engagement, and Return; Migrant Worker Issues; Trafficking in Persons; Internal Migration; and Border Management and Law Enforcement.

During the workshop, stakeholders validated the research findings and considered how the policy could address Palau’s unique migration challenges and opportunities. They also explored solutions for supporting the return and reintegration of Palauan living abroad, hiring foreign migrant workers, climate-induced displacement, and strengthening border management systems.

“The insights gathered during this workshop will ensure that Palau’s migration policy is comprehensive, inclusive, and responsive to the country’s needs,” said Mr. John Tarkong Jr., Director, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. “Through collaborative efforts, we are building a stronger framework to manage migration effectively and harness its benefits for Palau’s socioeconomic development.”

IOM’s Chief of Mission for Micronesia, Salvatore Sortino, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting Palau’s migration governance efforts. “Migration, when well-managed, can be a powerful driver of economic and social development. This policy will help Palau address challenges while unlocking the benefits of migration for its people. We are proud to support the Government of Palau in this crucial initiative,” Sortino said.

The policy is being developed under the Building Bridges: Developing a Comprehensive National Migration Policy for the Republic of Palau project, which was launched in February 2024 in the presence of President Surangel Whipps Jr. and his Cabinet of Ministers. Funded by the IOM Development Fund, the project aims to enhance migration governance frameworks through improved coordination, policy development, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to national contexts.

As part of this initiative, in May 2024, IOM conducted a three-day ‘Migration Management’ course for Palauan government officials to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary for active participation in policy formulation. These officials applied their newfound skills and insights during the recent research validation workshop.

The research validation workshop marked an essential step in Palau’s journey towards a structured and strategic approach to migration management. The policy development process will continue in the coming months, ensuring that all stakeholders remain engaged in shaping a migration framework that benefits Palau and its people.

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Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Working Group Extended

Koror, Palau – On October 15, 2024, President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. signed Executive Order No. 489 which amended the term of the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Working Group to remain in effect, as it expired on September 30, 2024 as established through Executive Order No. 475.

The CBM Working Group is mandated to emphasize coordination and mutual assistance among the various government agencies to strengthen Palau’s border security and management, modernize our border management practices by streamlining policies and enhancing our technological systems, and combat the ongoing challenges and threats posed by transnational crimes and other illegal cross-border activities.

Successful facilitation, collaboration, and resource-sharing among border agencies has proven that the CBM Working group is a critical platform for enhancing the Republic’s border security.

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Migration Management Course Empowers Palauan Government Stakeholders

Koror, Palau – The Republic of Palau tackled its unique migration challenges head-on with a three-day Migration Management Course held from May 7-9, 2024 at the Palau Royal Resort. Organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) bringing in key stakeholders from the Coordinated Border Management Working Group (CBMWG) as well as other partner agencies from NEMO, MHRCTD, and MOS, the course aimed to address critical issues surrounding migration governance and policy development.

Palau faces distinct migration dynamics due to its geography, economic status, climate change vulnerabilities, and the Compact of Free Association (COFA) with the United States. Despite the potential benefits migration could bring to Palau’s development, the absence of national policies has delayed effective management of migration trends and outcomes.

In response, the “Building Bridges” project, initiated in 2023, aimed to develop a comprehensive national migration policy for Palau. This endeavor seeks to integrate findings form the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Governance Indicators exercise and prioritize gender considerations. The resulting policy will align with Palau’s broader development strategies, including the National Policy and the Palau Development Plan.

The recent capacity-building training, drawing upon IOM’s “Essential of Migration Management” program, equipped CBMWG members and stakeholders with tools to actively engage in policy formulation. Facilitated by IOM experts, participants gained insights into key migration issues such as labor migration, climate change adaptation, and diaspora engagement.

The workshop’s objectives included fostering a distinct understanding of migration’s dual nature as both a challenge and an opportunity, and empowering stakeholders to contribute effectively to policy development and implementation. Participants left the training prepared to collaborate across government agencies, civil society, and international organizations to advance Palau’s migration governance agenda.

With a holistic and participatory approach emphasizing shared expertise and collective learning, the course ensured that the participants were actively engaged and primed to drive positive change in Palau’s migration landscape.

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Immigration Biometrics Demo Visitation at Minneapolis

In late February, a team from the Bureau of Customs, Joline Spesungel and its Division of Immigration Officers, Jake Ramon and Levi Idechong met with the Digital Residency Office Director Jay Anson at Minneapolis for a demonstration visitation of the Biometrics system. This project has been initiated to update and replace the Border Management System currently being used in Palau and will allow for an swift integration of the Biometrics equipment that are already in Palau. The project will commence testing on mid to late March, and will be fully operational in the coming months when all the requirements are met.

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MoU Strengthens Palau’s Resolve in Combating Human Trafficking

Palau, November 06, 2023 – In a pivotal move towards for­tifying Palau’s commitment to combating human trafficking, the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Justice, led by the Honorable Vice President and Minister of Justice, J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, joined hands with Minister of Finance, Kaleb Udui, Jr., Director of the Bureau of Customs ·and Border Protection, John Tarkong, Jr., and Acting Chief of Division of Transnational Crime, Lt. Rickley Antonio, to sign a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on November 02, 2023.

This historic MOU signifies the collective dedication of these key government bodies to defining their roles and sharing vital information for the effec­tive execution of Palau’s Anti­Human Trafficking Program. The signing ceremony took place at the Vice President’s Office Conference Room and marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

The primary objective of this MOU is to establish a com­mon understanding and a comprehensive framework for collaboration between the Ministry of Justice, particularly its Anti­Human Trafficking unit, and the Ministry of Finance, encompassing its Division of Immigration. Together, these parties aim to bolster Palau’s anti-human trafficking program.

The MOU focuses on formalizing procedures and fostering a unified understanding between the Ministry of Justice’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and the Ministry of Finance’s Division of Immigration. This synergy is vital to enable effective law enforcement and to eliminate potential vulner­abilities that human traffickers may exploit. The MOU outlines key strategies, including monitoring high-risk countries and closely scrutinizing visa applications, extensions, departures, and other immigration data to identify patterns indicative of human trafficking activities.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice, through its Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, commits to providing timely information to the Division of immigration regarding any known or suspected human trafficking patterns. This collaboration ensures that Division of Immigration officers are well-informed about the signs and signals of human trafficking in the course of their duties. It also assists the Division of immigration in shaping their policies and processes and facilitates seamless communication through up-to-date contact details for all Anti-Human Trafficking Unit officers.

This MOU is not only a symbol of unwavering commitment to eradicating human trafficking in Palau but also a testament to the government’s dedication to the safety and well-being of its citizens and residents. It paves the way for a stronger and more coordinated effort against this grave issue that affects societies worldwide.

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