WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s Parliament passed a tough new law Wednesday to crack down on people smuggling and deter asylum seekers.
The law, introduced by Prime Minister Helen Clark’s ruling party, imposes penalties of up to 20 years in prison and NZ$500,000 ($245,000) fines for the new crime of trafficking or smuggling people. It was among legislation passed before Parliament ended its last session before the July 27 general election.
The government’s tough stance mirrors the hardline policy of the Australian government, which has won wide public support despite criticism from human rights advocates.
No boat carrying asylum seekers has ever reached New Zealand, a remote nation in the South Pacific.
The new law appeared aimed at easing public fears that the country could be targeted by people smugglers who no longer see Australia as a viable target because of Canberra’s campaign to prevent asylum seekers sneaking into the country.
Under the new New Zealand law, authorities also will be able to seize and board ships, detain and then deport asylum seekers not deemed eligible for refugee status.
“Coordinated international cooperation is needed to stamp out this evil,” Foreign Minister Phil Goff said.
The new law was passed a day after Clark said her government “is determined to protect New Zealand’s borders.”
Goff told Parliament the new law was “a critical step toward ensuring that New Zealand can protect its borders against illegal migration.”
