Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Media Statement
25 February 2002
Government legislation cracks down on people smuggling
Foreign Minister Phil Goff today introduced legislation making smuggling and trafficking of people into New Zealand
criminal offences subject to severe penalties.
“The Transnational Organised Crime Bill make those involved in people smuggling liable to prison sentences of up to 20
years and fines up to $500,000.
“The severity of the maximum penalties sends a clear message to those who might be involved in organising or
transporting illegal migrants to New Zealand that this country cannot be regarded as a soft target for their criminal
activities.
“People smuggling and trafficking has become one of the lucrative international activities for organised crime.
“With annual profits estimated at over US$10 billion the rate of people smuggling has increased.
“Not even New Zealand with its relative geographic isolation is exempt from the effects of this practice.
“The dangers to human life of attempting a sea voyage to New Zealand are not a factor in the calculations of organised
crime, which once paid, is careless about whether or not its human cargo arrives at its destination.
“This legislation will allow New Zealand to meet its obligations under, and ratify, the United Nations Convention
against Transnational Organised Crime and its Protocols on the Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking of Persons.
“The Bill amends the Crimes Act, Immigration Act, Passport Act, Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, Proceeds of
Crime Act and the Extradition Act.
“The amendments both create new offences and increase the penalty for existing offences. Other amendments enhance New
Zealand’s ability to cooperate internationally to prevent, investigate and prosecute these transnational offences.
“An amendment to the Customs and Excise Act allows customs officers to intercept and detain craft and to arrest without
warrant those involved in people smuggling,” Mr Goff said.
Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel said the new legislation will also increase penalties for a number of offences under
the Immigration and Passport Acts relating to the practices employed by people smugglers and traffickers.
“These penalties underline how seriously New Zealand takes its role in combating this trade in human misery,” Ms Dalziel
said.
ENDS