Jail threat for smuggling immigrants into Ireland • Hauliers caught
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smuggling illegal immigrants into Ireland will face up to 10 years in jail and an unlimited fine under new regulations due to become law this autumn.
Trucks will also be seized and 0-licences cancelled upon conviction. Employers who hire illegal immigrants to work in the black economy face five year§ in jail and a £50,000 fine.
lagal immigrants are currently arriving in Ireland in groups of 20 or more but until now there have been no penalties for those caught smuggling. They are stowing away in containers from Cherbourg and asking for asylum when they arrive in Ireland. Police believe organised gangs are smuggling refugees to Ireland, where social welfare benefits are higher than in many other EU countries. Most illegal immigrants travel directly from Cherbourg to Rosslare, but some are travelling across Britain and entering Ireland via Dublin.
The Irish Road Haulage Association has issued guidelines and contact numbers for its members who suspect they have been targeted by the gangs.