Germany to Criminalize Smuggling Migrants to UK Under New Joint Action Plan

Dec 10, 2024, 06:41 AM

Germany and the United Kingdom have signed a first-of-its-kind joint action plan to combat migrant smuggling, making it a specific criminal offense in Germany to facilitate people-smuggling towards the UK. The agreement, signed by officials from both countries including German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, aims to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies and boost investigations and prosecutions of criminal gangs involved in organizing dangerous small boat crossings across the English Channel. This move comes as over 33,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats in 2024 alone. The new legal measures will close a loophole that previously allowed human smugglers to stash boats and prepare crossings in Germany without facing prosecution. Recent operations have resulted in 13 people arrested and 21 boats seized. The action plan is expected to put significant pressure on these criminal networks and prevent migrants from attempting perilous journeys. The agreement was discussed at a Calais Group meeting held in the UK.