People smuggling is a crime

People smuggling is a very serious issue.  That’s the firm message from New Zealand’s immigration minister, Jonathan Coleman.

“The New Zealand Government reaffirms its commitment not to tolerate people smuggling in any form”, was Mr Coleman’s message as he launched an information campaign on people smuggling recently.  You can see Mr Coleman’s message in full here. 

The information campaign was developed as part of New Zealand’s commitment to the Bali Process.  That’s the name used to describe how more than 50 countries and many international agencies from the Asia/Pacific region and beyond work together on practical measures to help combat people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crime.

The New Zealand campaign aims to raise awareness among people smugglers and those who support their activities, of the risks associated with illegal migration ventures.  You can read more about it here.