The UK government plans to introduce economic sanctions against people smugglers as part of its efforts to stem the flow of migrants crossing the Channel from France. The new "standalone sanctions regime" will target individuals and entities enabling dangerous journeys, making it the world's first such initiative. The move comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to reduce the number of perilous boat arrivals, which reached 36,816 last year, a 25 percent increase on the previous year. The government has scrapped plans to send migrants to Rwanda and instead vowed to "smash the gangs" facilitating the journeys. Sanctions experts will work with law enforcement and interior ministry colleagues to curb finance flows at their source to deter smugglers.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/amid-rising-illegal-immigration-uk-starmer-govt-plans-new-sanctions-for-smugglers-13851166.htmlPrime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to take strict legal action against human traffickers in Pakistan, including confiscation of their assets and properties. He emphasized that the prosecution process should be made more effective and instructed the Ministry of Law and Justice to appoint competent lawyers for prosecution. The prime minister also ordered the Foreign Office to contact relevant countries regarding Pakistanis involved in human trafficking abroad and take measures for their extradition. Additionally, he advised the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to run an awareness campaign with the Ministry of Interior to inform the public about using legal channels for overseas employment.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1269500-pm-orders-making-an-example-of-human-traffickers