People Smuggling in Global Perspective (From Australian Institute of Criminology Conference: Transnational Crime, March 9 and 10, 2000, Canberra, Australia, P 1-6, 2000, -- See NCJ-187199)

• NCJ Number: 187206
• Author(s): Fiona David
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This discussion of smuggling and trafficking in human beings presents the perspective of a research consultant to the United Nations Global Program Against Trafficking in Human Beings and focuses on both broad trends and issues and case studies.

Abstract

Smuggling and trafficking involves both males and females traveling from developing countries to developed countries or to neighboring developing countries with higher incomes. Reasons for illegal immigration include economics, war, oppression, the desire for personal or professional development, population pressure, the hope of greater opportunity, environmental degradation, and national hazards. Pull factors from the receiving countries include a demand for cheap and irregular labor, a high standard of living, a well-developed population of certain ethnic or immigrant groups, and an unofficial government policy of tolerating or overlooking illegal workers. Methods of obtaining illegal entry into Australia are to obtain a visitor’s visa and then disappear into the community and to present bogus documents at points of entry. The involvement of transnational organized crime groups in human smuggling and trafficking activities to Australia is part of a global trend. These activities are perceived as low risk and high gain. Obstacles to addressing this issue include some countries’ use of paper-based immigration systems rather than computerized systems and the lack of international cooperation and coordination.