The Bureau of Immigration (BI) plans to fully equip immigration officers at all international airports with body-worn cameras by the end of 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in frontline operations.
BI spokesperson Anisha Hadji Hassan said Monday the cameras would provide an objective record of interactions between immigration personnel and travelers, helping authorities monitor how officers perform their duties.
Hassan said the use of body cameras is also intended to deter misconduct and abuse of authority by ensuring that interactions at immigration counters are documented.
At the same time, recordings could protect immigration officers from false or unfounded allegations by providing evidence of what occurred during an encounter, she said.
The BI has already begun deploying the devices, with some international gateways achieving complete coverage, according to Hassan.
The bureau is targeting full deployment among immigration officers assigned to all international airports before the end of the year.
Hassan said the BI would also establish operational protocols covering when officers must activate the cameras, how recordings will be monitored and who will be authorized to access the footage.
The initiative forms part of the bureau’s efforts to improve oversight of frontline immigration services while providing safeguards for both travelers and immigration personnel.
