Social media advertisements for channel crossings face tightened restrictions announced
In a bid to enhance border security and disrupt people-smuggling gangs, the UK government is introducing a new law as an amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. This measure targets criminal gangs using social media to advertise dangerous journeys and fraudulent documents.
Yesterday, several demonstrators were detained outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in north London, with police breaking up brief clashes. Protests outside hotels believed to be housing asylum seekers are occurring in towns and cities across the UK. The Shadow home secretary, Chris Philp, has accused the current government of having no clear plan to deter illegal entry, no effective enforcement, and no strategy to speed up removals.
The new law aims to criminalise the creation and publication of online material that promotes or offers services facilitating illegal immigration, such as Channel small boat crossings or fake passports. Individuals convicted under this offence could face up to five years in prison and substantial fines.
According to officials, approximately 80% of migrants arriving by small boats have reported using social media to connect with facilitators. The government hopes that this crackdown on smugglers' "brazen tactics" will help curb channel crossings.
Meanwhile, the Conservative party has criticized the current measures, stating that automatic deportations are necessary. This comes after a smuggler based in Preston was jailed for 17 years after posting videos of migrants thanking him for his help.
It is important to note that the government is legally required to provide accommodation and subsistence to destitute asylum seekers while their claims are being decided, most of whom are prohibited from working. Officials emphasize that the crackdown targets the misleading tactics of smugglers who profit by promoting illegal crossings and fake documents online.
The new offence aims to give law enforcement additional powers to act at the early stage when smugglers publicise their services. This is part of the government’s broader "Plan for Change" to enhance border security and disrupt people-smuggling gangs more effectively.
[References] 1. Gov.uk 2. CTV News 3. Business Today 4. Economic Times
In light of the ongoing debates in politics and policy-and-legislation, the new law, an amendment to the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, seeks to criminalize the promotion of illegal immigration activities, such as small boat crossings or the creation of fake passports, via online platforms. Meanwhile, amidst these developments, crime-and-justice concerns persist, as proved by the recent 17-year prison sentence given to a smuggler who uses social media to advertise his services. General-news outlets such as CTV News, Business Today, and Economic Times have reported on this issue extensively.
