Tough new laws passed recently in Australia to combat people smuggling further highlight the importance of following lawful channels to seek asylum in Australia.
The laws target those who finance or provide support for people smuggling activities as well as strong penalties that underline the seriousness of people smuggling offences.
The new laws strengthen Australian laws against people smuggling and contain penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The laws also target those who send money overseas that aids people smuggling with a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
Intelligence agencies can now monitor people they believe are involved in or are aiding people smuggling.
“Those considering seeking asylum in Australia must follow lawful channels and pursue ordered methods of migration,” a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman said.
“There are safe and lawful visa options for people wanting to resettle in Australia, including humanitarian resettlement or sponsorship by relatives already here.
“While it may be difficult, those who wait for lawful settlement are following the right path and not risking their lives.
“The tragic and unnecessary loss of five lives at sea on an Australian-bound vessel in May this year is a grim reminder of the realities of making the dangerous trip to Australia at the hands of people smugglers.”
The government has suspended processing Sri Lankan claims for three months and claims from Afghan asylum seekers for six months.
“Asylum seekers will only be granted the right to live in Australia if they are genuinely in need of protection,” the spokesman said. “The desire to seek a better life and more opportunities is not grounds to be granted asylum.”
For more information on lawful visa options visit the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees at: www.unhcr.org.au or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship at: www.immi.gov.au/visas/humanitarian/
Media Enquiries: National Communications Branch (02) 6264 2244
