Australia continues to send back illegal SL immigrants

26 April 2013 07:02 am - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Australia says it would continue to send back illegal Sri Lankan asylum seekers if their claims are not covered by the refugee convention.

“When people arrive in Australia unauthorised, any claims they make for their reasons to travel to Australia are assessed by the Department of Immigration. If these claims are not covered by the refugee convention, they will be returned to their home land wherever possible,” Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Brendan O’Connor said.

He said that another group of Sri Lankan irregular maritime arrivals has been flown home from Christmas Island to Colombo, the minister said issuing a statement.
The group was advised of its status and that all 25 of its members were subject to removal from Australia as none raised issues that engaged Australia’s international obligations.

Without a valid visa, the 25 had no legal right to remain in Australia.All were recent arrivals.

Since August 13 last year, 1029 Sri Lankans have returned home – 819 of them involuntarily. The minister also said, “People who pay smugglers are risking their lives and throwing their money away. There is no visa on arrival, there is no speedy outcome, and there is no special treatment.

“We are committed to breaking the evil people smuggling trade, deterring people from taking dangerous journeys by boat and saving lives at sea.
“We will continue to transfer people to Nauru and Manus Island.”

People returned involuntarily do not have access to reintegration assistance.

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Comments - 5

Sonali De Silva Friday, 26 April 2013 08:15 AM

A refugee is - a person who flees for refuge or safety, especially to a foreign country, as in time of political upheaval, war, etc.
There is no war nor political upheaval in Sri Lanka since 2009. So non of these people should be given any status in Australia or any other country.

Suq Madique Friday, 26 April 2013 08:45 AM

Hang on...don't send them here. Send them to the US instead.

SAM_SPARROW Friday, 26 April 2013 11:24 AM

No of Tamil diasporas increasing.

Manu Friday, 26 April 2013 12:24 PM

Yes send them to USA

Kodituwakkuarachchi Saturday, 27 April 2013 01:04 AM

Don't worry Mate, all boats have changed course to UAE.

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Australia continues to send back illegal SL immigrants

Comments - 5

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