Bahamas moves to crack down on human smuggling with new legislation

Prime Minister Philip Davis has announced a major push to dismantle human-smuggling networks operating in and around The Bahamas, as his administration tables the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025, in Parliament.

Addressing the House of Assembly recently, Davis said the new legislation strengthens the country’s legal framework to pursue smugglers more effectively and impose tougher penalties on those who profit from illegal migration.

“This Bill makes it easier to prosecute smugglers, and punishes them with tougher penalties than ever before,” he said. “This is how we protect Bahamian communities. This is how we rule our waters. And this is how we reduce the number of migrants who enter our country illegally.”

Targets Criminal Networks, Expands Jurisdiction

The Bill formally defines migrant smuggling as a distinct criminal offence and ensures that anyone involved in planning, financing, transporting, or harbouring migrants can be charged—whether the operation starts, passes through, or ends in The Bahamas.

Under the new provisions, offenders face fines up to $300,000 and prison terms of up to 15 years. The legislation also extends Bahamian jurisdiction to smuggling-related crimes committed outside national waters or on foreign-flagged vessels. Vehicles, vessels, and other assets tied to smuggling operations may be confiscated as well.

Reinforcing Border Security

Davis said the measure builds on recent investments in border and maritime security, including new patrol vessels, drones, radar systems, upgraded communications, and expanded manpower within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the Immigration Department.

Since 2022, more than 13,000 migrants have been repatriated — the highest number in Bahamian history — while detention centre populations have fallen due to faster processing and repatriation.

“Our First Duty Is to Our Citizens”

The Prime Minister stressed that the government will maintain a careful balance between compassion and firm enforcement, especially amid regional migration pressures.

“Our first duty is to our citizens and to those who are here lawfully,” he said. “We have refused to sign declarations that would commit us to accepting more migrants. We have refused calls to suspend deportations to Haiti. And we will continue to act in the best interests of The Bahamas.”

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He added that the Bill clarifies the difference between human smuggling and immigration offences, ensuring that migrants receive humanitarian treatment while affirming the country’s right to enforce its laws.

“Being a victim of smuggling does not grant a right to remain in The Bahamas,” Davis said. “Our asylum laws remain unchanged, and anyone entering illegally will be repatriated.”

Warning to Bahamians Who Assist Smugglers

Prime Minister Davis issued a sharp warning to Bahamians who knowingly help smugglers by renting homes, providing transportation, or lending vessels for illegal activities.

“If you are participating in or supporting human smuggling in any way, you will find yourself within the crosshairs of our justice system,” he said. “This is a turning point. What might have felt like a side income will now carry consequences that can change your life.”

He commended the RBDF, Immigration Department, and the Ministries of National Security and Immigration and National Insurance for their ongoing work.

“We will not allow criminal networks to use our islands as corridors,” he said. “We will not allow lawlessness to challenge the safety and stability of our communities. We will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable people. And we will not compromise our sovereignty.”

The Prime Minister also addressed migrants who may be considering dangerous illegal voyages.

“To migrants themselves, I say do not place your lives, or the lives of your children, in the hands of criminals,” he said. “They will take your money, put you on an overloaded vessel, and send you into open water with little regard for whether you survive.”

“If you come here in breach of our laws, you will be returned to your country of origin,” he added.

The Bill is expected to advance through Parliament in the coming weeks.