New immigration bill targets migrant smugglers with asset seizures
Under Part 12 of the proposed law, authorities would be empowered to investigate the assets and properties of arrested persons, seize suspected proceeds of migrant smuggling, and seek court orders for the forfeiture of properties linked to the crime. The legislation also provides for the freezing of accounts held in banks and other financial institutions, while passports and other assets connected to migrant smuggling activities could be confiscated following conviction. In addition to targeting the financial gains of smugglers, the bill creates offences for aggravated migrant smuggling and establishes penalties for individuals found facilitating the illegal movement of migrants. "The Bill provides measures for the prevention and prohibition of migrant smuggling and related offences," Hon. Sanyang told lawmakers. The proposed law goes beyond punishment by introducing protections for migrants who have been smuggled. These include access to urgent medical care, protection from violence, assistance for migrants whose lives or safety are in danger, and special safeguards for children. Migrants caught up in smuggling operations would also be guaranteed access to judicial proceedings and consular officials under the provisions of the bill. To strengthen coordination, the legislation proposes the establishment of a National Coordinating Committee and a Task Coordinating Group to support efforts aimed at preventing and combating migrant smuggling. The bill further contains provisions dealing with smuggling at sea, cooperation with international organisations, the return of smuggled migrants, and measures to ensure their protection throughout the return process. According to Hon. Sanyang, the proposed legislation forms part of the government's security sector reform agenda and seeks to replace the Immigration Act of 1965 with a modern legal framework that meets international standards. "The Bill repeals the Immigration Act of 1965 and replaces it with an Act that is in line with best international standards in connection to a modern integrated border management system," he said. The bill is committed to the ABC committee of the National Assembly for further scrutiny.
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Under Part 12 of the proposed law, authorities would be empowered to investigate the assets and properties of arrested persons, seize suspected proceeds of migrant smuggling, and seek court orders for the forfeiture of properties linked to the crime.
The legislation also provides for the freezing of accounts held in banks and other financial institutions, while passports and other assets connected to migrant smuggling activities could be confiscated following conviction.
In addition to targeting the financial gains of smugglers, the bill creates offences for aggravated migrant smuggling and establishes penalties for individuals found facilitating the illegal movement of migrants.
"The Bill provides measures for the prevention and prohibition of migrant smuggling and related offences," Hon. Sanyang told lawmakers.
The proposed law goes beyond punishment by introducing protections for migrants who have been smuggled. These include access to urgent medical care, protection from violence, assistance for migrants whose lives or safety are in danger, and special safeguards for children.
Migrants caught up in smuggling operations would also be guaranteed access to judicial proceedings and consular officials under the provisions of the bill.
To strengthen coordination, the legislation proposes the establishment of a National Coordinating Committee and a Task Coordinating Group to support efforts aimed at preventing and combating migrant smuggling.
The bill further contains provisions dealing with smuggling at sea, cooperation with international organisations, the return of smuggled migrants, and measures to ensure their protection throughout the return process.
According to Hon. Sanyang, the proposed legislation forms part of the government's security sector reform agenda and seeks to replace the Immigration Act of 1965 with a modern legal framework that meets international standards.
"The Bill repeals the Immigration Act of 1965 and replaces it with an Act that is in line with best international standards in connection to a modern integrated border management system," he said.
The bill is committed to the ABC committee of the National Assembly for further scrutiny.
