Another group of Sri Lankans returned

Tuesday, 13 November 2012 A group of 30 Sri Lankan men have been sent home to Sri Lanka from Christmas Island today the fifth involuntary removal to take place in under a week. All were recent arrivals from a number of different boats. This group takes to 200 the number of Sri Lankans returned involuntarily since August 13. The men were advised of their status and that they were subject to removal from Australia. 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. The government is committed to breaking the people smuggling trade and preventing people from taking these dangerous boats to Australia. We will continue to regularly transfer people to Nauru and shortly to Manus Island. The government will also continue to return people where they do not engage Australia's international obligations. Since August 13, almost 300 Sri Lankans have 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.

See: Index of Media Releases URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/cb/2012/cb191777.htm