By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe yesterday tabled legislation in the House of Assembly aimed at cracking down on migrant smuggling, introducing new provisions to target traffickers who move people into or out of The Bahamas whenever Bahamian nationals or interests are involved.

The Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025, expands The Bahamas’ authority to prosecute to cases committed inside or outside of the country, particularly where The Bahamas is the point of origin, transit, or destination for smuggled migrants.

Mr Munroe said the broadened scope ensures local authorities can take action against offenders regardless of where the offence occurs so long as it involves Bahamian interests.

“The bill extends jurisdiction and cooperation at sea as offenses committed on vessels outside the territorial waters, especially stateless vessels or those flying a foreign flag but the suspected involvement in smuggling and vessels registered under protocol states other than The Bahamas,” he said.

“The Bahamas enforcement powers will include search, seizure, and arrest at sea with safeguards to protect migrant safety and human rights.”

The proposed legislation outlines a range of human smuggling offences, including the use or possession of fraudulent travel or identity documents, arranging or attempting to arrange the illegal entry of migrants into or out of The Bahamas, concealing migrants in vehicles or vessels, creating hidden compartments to transport them, and coordinating with others to plan or carry out smuggling operations.

It also sets out strict penalties for offenders, including fines of up to $100,000 or imprisonment of up to seven years on summary conviction, and fines of up to $200,000 or imprisonment of up to ten years on conviction on information.

Harsher penalties apply in cases where smugglers endanger, exploit, or abuse migrants; smuggle children, pregnant women, or persons with disabilities; use violence, weapons, or drugs; abuse public office; or cause injury or death.

Those convicted of aggravated smuggling face fines of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to seven years on summary conviction, and up to $300,000 or fifteen years on conviction on information.

The bill also penalises vehicle, vessel, or aircraft owners if their property is used in smuggling operations.

Offenders face fines of up to $3,000 per migrant, and the property used in the offence may be seized and forfeited under the Customs Management Act.

The bill also makes it an offence to intentionally harbour, or attempt to harbour, a smuggled migrant for financial gain or to prevent their capture. Convicted persons face a fine of up to $100,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

The legislation protects smuggled migrants, guaranteeing their right to privacy, confidentiality, and basic amenities such as food, clothing, shelter, documentation, and interpretation or translation services. It also provides access to consular services. Migrants seeking asylum or international protection must be quickly referred to the appropriate authorities, with access granted to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

At the request of another country or relevant authority, the minister must verify the legitimacy and validity of travel or identity documents issued in the name of The Bahamas. He is also responsible for confirming a migrant’s nationality or residence status and facilitating their travel, transit, or return to another country.

The minister is empowered to develop policies, guidelines, and procedures to implement the Act, conduct periodic reviews, facilitate inter-agency cooperation among government departments, international organisations, and NGOs, provide training to law enforcement to prevent smuggling and protect migrant rights, and promote national development programmes to address the socio-economic causes of migrant smuggling.

“Currently, The Bahamas lacks comprehensive and explicit national legislation to deter migrant smuggling,” Mr Munroe told Parliament yesterday. “This key piece of legislation will serve to strengthen border security, protect migrants, deter smuggling activities and promote international cooperation while aligning with international treaties and protocols to combat migrant smuggling effectively.”