Migrant Smuggling

Since its inception in 2002, the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime (Bali Process) has effectively raised regional awareness of the consequences of people smuggling, trafficking in persons and related transnational crime. It is a forum for policy dialogue, information sharing and practical cooperation to help the region address these challenges. The Bali Process, co-chaired by Indonesia and Australia, has more than 48 members, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migratio

The Employer Sanctions Directive sets out rules to target employers who employ irregular migrants. For example, employers hiring undeclared workers would face sanctions, including fines and paying back wages to their workers. In some cases – such as repeated or conscious hiring of undocumented migrants, or hiring of children or victims of human trafficking – the employers could be punished under criminal law. Furthermore, the legislation includes protection measures in favour of non-EU workers, especially those exploited by unscrupulous employers.

The UK Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) was set up to protect workers from exploitation. The  licensing scheme regulates businesses who provide workers to the fresh produce supply chain and horticulture industry, to make sure they meet the employment standards required by law. Employment agencies, labour providers or gangmasters who provide workers to agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering and any associated processing and packaging sectors need a GLA license. 

The UK Government’s Action Plan published in 2007 sets out a comprehensive strategy to tackle human trafficking and protect and support its victims. Provisions exist for a formal ID and referral process, a reflection period, minimum levels of support and temporary residence in certain circumstances.

Thailand has established 75 operational centres to help coordinate the work of the many stakeholders on the ground and to protect and assist victims of trafficking.

The 2008 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act created a National Committee on Combating Trafficking in Children and Women under the National Youth Commission of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) to coordinate all anti-trafficking efforts.

It has the following tasks: 

This Act extends the definition of trafficking in children to both sexes and gives more authority to officials as well as more protection to both Thai and foreign children.

In February 2008, Thailand enacted the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which broadens the definition of exploitation to include sexual exploitation, production and distribution of pornography, slavery, forced begging, forced labour, trade in organs, or other similar forms of exploitation. It applies to all persons regardless of their legal status.