Four more boat arrivals returned to Sri Lanka
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship said
today four more Sri Lankan men were returning home voluntarily from
Nauru after choosing not to pursue their asylum claims.
This brings the total number of Sri Lankans to return
home in 2012 to 79, including 47 since the department began transferring
people to Nauru as part of the new regional processing arrangements.
“These individuals have chosen not to pursue asylum
claims and therefore are no longer seeking to engage Australia’s
protection obligations,” a departmental spokesman said.
“The men were in the post-13 August cohort and so were
subject to transfer to a regional processing centre – they have instead
chosen to return home voluntarily.”
The spokesman said transfers of boat arrivals to Nauru continued this week and more would follow in the coming days and weeks.
“Regular transfers to Nauru and more Sri Lankans
returning home is further proof that there is no advantage engaging with
people smugglers,” the spokesman said.
People in immigration detention can request their
removal from Australia at any point in time. Those who choose to depart
voluntarily can be provided with individual reintegration support to
assist with their sustainable return, through the International
Organization for Migration.
Reintegration packages are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on need and eligibility.
Media Enquiries: National Communications 02 6264 2244
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