Human-trafficking bill passes first reading
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THE NATIONAL Legislative Assembly (NLA) yesterday agreed in principle to a bill aimed at tackling human trafficking with heavier penalties, including the immediate closure of businesses found to be abusive to employees and death penalty if the abuse resul
The bill passed the first reading yesterday with a 177:5 vote, and the NLA set up a 15-member panel to further scrutinise the bill over a 30-day period.
The bill proposes the establishment of a national body entitled the “Anti-Human Trafficking Commission” that would be chaired by the premier and comprise eight ministers and four experts appointed by the PM.
As per the bill, the authorities have the right to close operations for 30 days or revoke the licence of operators found not to be complying with the regulations stipulated in the bill. Officials working under this bill will be protected from lawsuits.
Meanwhile, operators found guilty of actions or negligence that results in an employee’s death will be subject to the death penalty or life imprisonment, while longer prison terms and heavier fines will be imposed on violators who commit lesser crimes associated with human trafficking.
