Cooperation on Immigration and Consular Matters was first initiated in 1996. In order to provide the necessary guidance to enhance cooperation for immigration and consular matters, the ASEAN Plan of Action (PoA) for Cooperation on Immigration Matters was adopted in 2000. 

Notable milestones from this cooperation includes the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption and the establishment of the ASEAN Lane. Adopted in 2016, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption exempts citizens of other ASEAN Member States holding valid national passports from visa requirement for a period of stay of up to 14 days from the date of entry, provided that such stay shall not be used for purposes other than visit. 

Meanwhile, the implementation of ASEAN Lanes at major international airports in the region provides ASEAN citizens with an expedited immigration processing lane to facilitate the travel of nationals from the ASEAN Member States and to boost tourism.