A course participant receives her certificate from Commissioner Quilindo

Dozens of immigration officers have received certificates of achievement after completing a training course at the Police Academy.

The course, which ran from May 5 to October 8, was designed to increase the efficiency of 47 immigration officers so they could better handle the situations they encounter while at work.

The certificates were presented in the presence of Police Commissioner Andre Quilindo, director general for immigration, Ronald Fock-Tave, and other immigration officials.

According to Mr Fock-Tave, the decision to implement the course was mainly due to new tactics of forgery and the increase of illegal travellers.

He said that in order to detect them first-hand, the immigration team needed to reinforce their detection techniques.

“This particular occasion marks the accomplishment of yet another training workshop expected to enhance the officers’ knowledge and skills at a different level,” Mr Fock-Tave said. 

The workshop participants explored various modules in the training course, including supervisory roles, constitutional rights of immigration officers, writing and compiling statements for court actions and investigative techniques in the event of inspecting forged documents.

Inasmuch as the course has been made possible with the assistance of the Police Academy, Mr Fock-Tave took the opportunity during his address to express his gratitude towards Commissioner Quilindo for putting his instructors at their disposal, despite having other commitments.

He also advised his staff to use wisely all that they had learned at the workshop.

On behalf of the participants, immigration officer Franco Govinden thanked the instructors for making the course a success and assured them that they will put into practice what they have picked up during the workshop.

Superintendent Jerris Beauchamp, the Commandant of the police academy, pointed out that the Seychelles Police Force always welcomes organisations to seek their assistance.  Outside parties are encouraged to follow the example of the immigration department, which Superintendant Beauchamp said has initiated a stepping-stone in the development of a long-term partnership.

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