English.news.cn 2012-11-12
17:36:38
|
|
COLOMBO, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Australia took a tough
stance on illegal Sri Lankan migrants here on Monday, insisting that such
people would be returned immediately with no hope of funds and should not risk
their lives on the high seas, an official said.
Australia's immigration regional director for South
Asia Jose Alvarez told media that the government is dedicated to sending back
as many illegal migrants as possible and since Aug. 13 has already returned 255
people.
He insisted that the illegal migrants are assessed on
a case by case basis in accordance with Australian law and United Nation
conventions, which means that any person not covered by Australia' s
international obligations will be returned to their country of origin quickly.
"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," he insisted.
The Australian government is working with the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide reintegration
assistance in the form of livelihood training, medical care and even limited
monetary handouts.
However, involuntary returnees as well as those
engaged in human smuggling will not have access to this assistance.
Moreover Alvarez noted that any information they have
on people smugglers will be shared with Sri Lankan authorities to assist in
arrests and investigations.
On Sunday, the latest group of 36 asylum seekers was
returned but Australian data shows that as many as 377 asylum seekers are still
being held on Nauru, where the illegal migrants are being transferred once they
land in Australia.
"Sri Lanka has an effective people smuggling
network that gives people hope for a better economic life abroad. We have seen
that most people attempt to illegally enter Australia due to economic
situations, which has been a global trend for many years," he remarked.
Despite the tough stance taken by the Australian
government and local publicity campaigns to create awareness, there has not
been a marked reduction in illegal migrants with numbers since June topping
1500 people, according to media reports.
|
Editor: Wang Yuanyuan
|
