Parliament finally approves illegal immigration bill

The House of Representatives under Speaker Ali Abdel Aal on Monday approved a draft law that aims to combat illegal immigration.

The bill, which was submitted by the government, also aims at combating the smuggling of migrants.

A total of 402 MPs voted for the new law, said Abdel Aal, adding the disagreement of five lawmakers and the abstention of one MP forwards a negative message.

The 34-article law defines the crime, organized criminal group, smuggling of migrants, smuggled migrants, travel document or fake IDs, unaccompanied children, commercial carrier, ship, territorial waters and neighboring zone and etc.

The new law stipulates prison sentences for those convicted of taking part in establishing or organizing or running a criminal gang to help immigrants smuggle or leading the group or joining it. 

The bill also stipulates jail sentences and fines for those charged with smuggling migrants or taking part in the process.

In addition, the draft law says those accused of providing refugee, transferring or helping smuggled migrants will be jailed.

According to the bill, the state will take all required measures to protect rights of smuggled migrants.

The bill calls for establishing a Cabinet committee, named "National Coordination Committee for Combating and Ending Illegal Immigration and Human-Trafficking, " which will be responsible for boosting coordination at both the national and international levels to the effect.

The committee will group representatives from the ministries, agencies, bodies ,councils and research centers concerned.

A fund - to be an affiliate to the Cabinet - will be set up for combating illegal immigration and protecting immigrants.

Source: MENA