Group of 40 Sri Lankan men returned
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Another group of Sri Lankan men has been returned to Sri Lanka today – the tenth involuntary removal this month.
The 40 Sri Lankan men were all recent arrivals from a number of different boats and takes to 466 the number of Sri Lankans returned involuntarily since August 13.
We will continue to return people where they do not engage Australia's international obligations.
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.
The Sri Lankan 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.
We will continue to return people to Sri Lanka. We will continue to transfer people to Nauru, and Manus Island.
Since August 13, more than 570 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.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/cb/2012/cb191960.htm
Last update: Thursday, 22 November 2012 at 17:00 AEST