Smugglers often a ‘last resort’ for asylum seekers

People smuggling is complex and is often entered into as a “last resort” by those seeking asylum, according to immigrant and refugee advocacy groups.

“The details of the Dublin airport story are still unclear, but, in the context of our work, people seeking asylum often use smugglers as a matter of a last resort due to the lack of safe and legal pathways to protection,” said Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council.

He was speaking after two Aer Lingus workers and a Chinese national were remanded in custody yesterday, after being charged in connection with the unlawful entry of non-nationals into the State.