Government Introduces Bill to Combat Migrant Smuggling
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe tabled the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025, in the House of Assembly, aiming to crack down on migrant smuggling.
The bill expands The Bahamas' authority to prosecute cases committed inside or outside the country, particularly when The Bahamas is the point of origin, transit, or destination for smuggled migrants.
The bill extends jurisdiction and cooperation at sea as offenses committed on vessels outside the territorial waters, especially stateless vessels or those flying a foreign flag but the suspected involvement in smuggling and vessels registered under protocol states other than The Bahamas.
According to Minister Munroe, the broadened scope ensures local authorities can take action against offenders regardless of where the offence occurs, so long as it involves Bahamian interests.
The bill introduces new provisions to target traffickers who move people into or out of The Bahamas whenever Bahamian nationals or interests are involved.
Author's summary: New bill targets migrant smuggling in The Bahamas.