Canada and Australia discuss issues related to human smuggling

Canada intends to work domestically and internationally to eliminate the crime and fraud associated with the often dangerous journey some immigrants make to Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney met earlier this week with the Australian Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, to talk about potential solutions to address the problem of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

Migrant smuggling is defined by the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime as “the procurement, in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit, of the illegal entry of a person into a state party of which the person is not a national”.

Australia and Canada are among the top destinations for immigration and therefore face similar challenges related to migrant smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigration and failed refugee claimants.

Minister Kenney discussed with officials and stakeholders in Australia how Australia is dealing with problem of migrant smuggling. Discussions also centered around how both countries may work together to raise awareness among potential migrants of the serious risks and dangers involved in relying on smugglers, particularly for passage by sea, and of the legal consequences of seeking to enter the country illegally.

Canada hopes to help better protect people from the danger of exploitation by human smugglers, and to reduce abuse of the system while still providing protection to those in need. Given this, Canada may more effectively assist those fleeing persecution and conflict.