trade, communications and wealth across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. The expansion of trade and commerce has however been accompanied by new challenges brought about by an increasingly dynamic maritime environment and increased movement of people. Maritime security comes with major challenges for countries of the WIO region and for island countries particularly. Countries of the WIO region recognize the importance of strong migration governance to combat all types of transnational organized crimes and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in the region. The Republic of Mauritius, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is one of the most prosperous economies in Africa and is both a country of origin and destination for international