50 more SL asylum seekers sent home

The federal government has sent more Sri Lankan asylum seekers home, bringing the total number of Sri Lankans "involuntarily" returned to 282.

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said the 50 men were advised of their status and that they were to be removed from Australia.

The men were returned to Sri Lanka from Christmas Island on Sunday.

The group was made up of recent arrivals from a number of different boats.

"They raised no issues that engaged Australia's international obligations," Mr Bowen said in a statement today, implying that they were not considered to be refugees.
Without a valid visa, the men had no legal right to remain in the country and had been removed at the earliest opportunity, he said.

"The government will continue to return people where they do not engage Australia's international obligations," Mr Bowen said. (AAP)

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