More Lankan boat people sent home

13 November 2012 06:46 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

A A A

Join our WhatsApp Channel

The federal government has sent more Sri Lankan asylum seekers home as a new boat arrived in Australian waters. Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said the 30 men were returned to Sri Lanka from Christmas Island on Tuesday.

This takes the number of Sri Lankans "involuntarily" returned to their homeland to 200 since the government announced its offshore processing policy on August 13.

Without a valid visa, the men had no legal right to remain in Australia and were removed at the earliest opportunity, Mr Bowen said.

"People who pay smugglers are risking their lives and throwing their money away," he said in a statement.

"There is no visa awaiting them on arrival, no speedy outcome, and no special treatment."

Meanwhile, HMAS Armidale on Monday intercepted a boat carrying six suspected asylum seekers and two crew south-east of Ashmore Islands.

The passengers will now be transferred to Christmas Island for health and security checks.

They risk being sent to processing centres in Nauru and Papua New Guinea under the government's new offshore processing regime. (Brisbane Times)

Another Group of Sri Lankans Returned

Comments - 5

Andrew Pitugala Tuesday, 13 November 2012 08:02 AM

From the frying pan (great risk to life in the boat), in to the fire ( Jail in Srilanka).

7 3

Calistus Jayatilleke Tuesday, 13 November 2012 08:23 AM

It is hoped that at least from now on, these poor victims will think twice before falling for the tricks of the people smugglers in pursuit of a broken dream and non-existent Utopia.

0 12

jan Tuesday, 13 November 2012 09:38 AM

Are the returnees still getting money?

3 1

Saman Wednesday, 14 November 2012 12:06 AM

Raw Raw Raw the boat Gently down the Indian ocean

1 1

Hussain Wednesday, 14 November 2012 06:41 AM

#Saman: you mean Row Row the boat....

0 2

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.