London: The UK government has proposed a broad new offence aimed at combating online promotion of illegal immigration, specifically targeting criminal groups that use social media to lure migrants into risky journeys or scams.

The measure, introduced as an amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, will apply nationwide and carry penalties of up to five years in prison along with hefty fines.

Announced on Sunday, the legislation would criminalize the creation or sharing of any online content that advertises or offers services that violate UK immigration laws, such as arrangements for small boat crossings across the English Channel, fake travel documents, or illegal employment in the UK.

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the move as a moral stand against those who falsely promise safe passage or a better life in the UK for profit. “Selling false promises of a safe journey or a new life in this country, whether online or offline, is unethical,” she said. “These criminals are willing to put migrants in life-threatening situations through social media. We are committed to doing everything possible to disrupt their operations.”

She emphasized that this new offence is part of the broader “Plan for Change,” which aims to strengthen border security, improve enforcement capabilities, and tackle increasingly sophisticated people-smuggling tactics. “We must stay ahead of organized crime networks,” Cooper added. “This legislation will provide law enforcement with a powerful legal tool to dismantle their online activities quickly and effectively, enforcing proper penalties for those involved.”

While facilitating illegal migration is already a crime, the government says this new offence will offer a more targeted legal mechanism to disrupt the online operations of smuggling syndicates globally.

According to the Home Office, about 80% of migrants arriving by small boats reported using social media to connect with people-smugglers. Rob Jones, Director General for Operations at the National Crime Agency (NCA), stated that many smuggling networks are actively promoting their services online, and these new powers will enable law enforcement to better target these criminal groups.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has committed to act once the law is enacted, with Chief Crown Prosecutor Joanne Jakymec affirming that charges will be pursued against suspects suspected of using social media for illegal crossings, fake documents, or unlawful work.

The Home Office also highlighted its ongoing efforts, noting a 50% rise in arrests of illegal workers and the deportation of 35,000 individuals without legal status. It cited increased sanctions on key figures within smuggling rings as part of its crackdown on illegal migration.