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People smugglers offer discounts in economic downturn

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-14 16:36

CANBERRA: A recent research shows people smugglers are luring more passengers to Australia by offering cut price deals because of the economic downturn, according to Tuesday's report of Australian news agency APP.

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Khalid Koser from the Geneva Center for Security Policy has been looking at the impact of the economic crisis on asylum seekers and migration. He said it has contributed to the recent spike in unauthorized boat arrivals to Australia.

Smugglers, in countries like Indonesia, were offering "discounts and cut prices to move larger numbers of people and generate a profit," Koser said.

"They are reducing the price of trips to generate more of a market and get money back because they, like everybody else, are feeling the squeeze of the financial crisis," he said.

Rising unemployment in South-East Asia had seen a rise in the number of "desperate" people willing to make the journey to Australia, Koser added.

Authorities have intercepted 16 boats carrying suspected asylum seekers in Australian waters this year, one of which exploded, killing five people.