More Lankan boat people sent home from Australia

Another group of Sri Lankan nationals have been returned involuntarily to Sri Lanka on a charter flight to Colombo from Christmas Island, Australian Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Bowen said. The group of 30 single adult males had arrived on a number of boats over the last week or so.

They were advised of their status and that they were subject to removal from Australia, the minister said in a release yesterday. The release added: “They raised no issues that engaged Australia’s international obligations. Without a valid visa they had no legal right to remain in Australia and were removed at the earliest opportunity.

“People who pay smugglers are risking their lives and throwing their money away. There is no visa awaiting them on arrival, no speedy outcome, and no special treatment. “And where appropriate, the government will continue to return people where they do not engage Australia’s international obligations.

“Since August 13, we have seen 156 Sri Lankans returned home – both voluntarily and involuntarily – as people realise that these smugglers only sell lies and false promises about what awaits people in Australia. People returned involuntarily do not have access to reintegration assistance.”