New offence under immigration bill targets online promotion of small boat crossings, fake documents, and illegal work offers
The UK government has announced plans to introduce a new criminal offence aimed at clamping down on the online promotion of illegal immigration, particularly the advertising of dangerous small boat crossings on social media platforms, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
Under an amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, the offence will make it illegal across the UK to create or publish online material that facilitates a breach of UK immigration law. This includes advertising Channel boat crossings, fake travel documents, and illegal job opportunities.
“Dangerous criminal gangs profiting from deadly small boat crossings will face a major new crackdown following a £100 million investment in border security,” the government said in a statement released Sunday.
UK to impose up to 5 years in prison and fines for promoting illegal migration on social media, including ads for boat crossings, fake documents, and unlawful job offers
Although aiding illegal immigration is already a crime, the proposed amendment provides additional legal tools to help authorities disrupt people-smuggling networks at the point of advertisement and build stronger cases against the perpetrators.
According to the UK Home Office, approximately 80% of migrants who arrived via small boats said they used social media to communicate with facilitators or criminal agents during their journey. Many were misled with false promises of safe travel and employment, prompting authorities to act against those exploiting migrants for profit.
The proposed law will also address posts that explicitly promise illegal employment, which contributes to people risking their lives to reach the UK.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the practice, stating: “Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country – whether on or offline – simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral.”
“These criminals have no issue with leading migrants to life-threatening situations using brazen tactics on social media. We are determined to do everything we can to stop them – wherever they operate,” she added.
The move follows recent successful operations by UK authorities, including the prosecution of a major smuggling kingpin and the disruption of 351 criminal gangs, along with the seizure of over 600 small boats and engines used in illegal crossings.
