The dialogue was held to improve migration co-operation, deliver on the potential that exists in the current migration partnership, and discuss key issues, including safe migration, migrant returns, the issue of fraudulent documents, updated policies on immigration, as well as addressing the issue of human trafficking.

The UK and Vietnam enjoy a strong migration relationship, from jointly investigating the tragedy in Essex to securing three successful charter return flights in 2021.

Rycroft underlined the UK’s continued commitment to strengthening this collaboration, together with addressing challenges and bringing about mutual benefits to both sides.

“The UK and Vietnam are strong strategic partners, and we look forward to celebrating our 50-year diplomatic partnership in 2023. Apart from collaborations in trade, education, research, technology innovation and climate change, tackling illegal migration and human trafficking is hugely important and mutually beneficial to both countries,” he said.

“We are committed to working together on ensuring safe and legal routes to the UK as well as protecting victims of human trafficking, and putting an end to this awful crime,” the British official pledged.

Rycroft is in Hanoi for a two-day visit to Vietnam, during which he was scheduled to meet with numerous Vietnamese officials in charge of public security, national defence, and labour.

The two sides discussed collaboration in tackling serious organised crime, with a specific focus on human trafficking crime, and explored opportunities for further co-operation in capacity building, as well as supporting and protecting victims of human trafficking.

During his stay, Rycroft also spoke with 250 students at the Foreign Trade University to examine the possibilities of studying in the UK.