More Sri Lankans returned to Colombo
A further 28 Sri Lankan irregular maritime arrivals have been
returned to Colombo after failing to meet Australia's international
obligations, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Brendan O'Connor
said yesterday.
The group departed Christmas Island yesterday and arrived in Colombo
today. Their return takes the number of Sri Lankans sent home to 1206 -
994 of them involuntarily - since August last year.
O'Connor said returning the group to Sri Lankans sends a powerful
message.
"The Gillard government is making it crystal clear that those who pay
smugglers are throwing their money away and risking their lives in the
process," O'Connor said. "We are committed to breaking the evil people
smuggling trade, deterring people from taking dangerous journeys by boat
and saving lives at sea. When people arrive in Australia without
authorisation, any claims they make for their reasons to travel to
Australia are assessed by the Department of Immigration and
Citizenship," he said.
"If these claims are not covered by Australia's international
obligations, they will be returned to their homeland wherever possible.
There is no visa on arrival, there is no speedy outcome, and there is no
special treatment. We will continue to transfer people to Nauru and
Manus Island. People returned involuntarily do not have access to
reintegration assistance. |