The Australian Government today said that it will continue its close cooperation with the Sri Lankan Government to disrupt people smuggling ventures departing Sri Lanka, just days after a boatload of Sri Lankan asylum-seekers were sent back.
On 26 November 2014 a people smuggling venture carrying 38 Sri Lankan nationals attempting to travel illegally by boat to Australia was successfully disrupted by authorities.
Australia’s Minister for Immigration and Border Protection stated that every boat that departs is encouraging people smugglers and their customers to think there is an illegal way to Australia, and that however, there is not.
“There are only two outcomes for people who travel illegally by boat to Australia,” Scott Morrison said in a statement.
“They will be intercepted and either turned back, or sent to another country, either Papua New Guinea or Nauru, for processing and resettlement in that country. Resettlement in Australia is not an option.
“The rules apply to everyone. There are no exceptions.
“This is the Australian Government’s policy and it will not change.”
He stated that Australia will continue to work with its regional partners to disrupt people smuggling ventures and protect its borders.
“People should not believe the lies of people smugglers and seek to come to Australia illegally by boat. The way to Australia remains closed,” the statement said.
Meanwhile Australian media reported that one Sri Lankan national on the boat of 38 asylum-seekers sent back by Australian authorities on the high seas last week has been transferred to an offshore processing centre.
The boat was intercepted by Australia’s coastguard northwest of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on November 15.
At no time was the trawler in distress, and all on board were safe and accounted for, Immigration Minister Scott Morrison said today.
Everyone on board was individually assessed by trained protection officers who determined that in one case, a referral for a refugee determination process was recommended.
That person will be transferred to Papua New Guinea or Nauru for processing, the statement said.
The remaining 37 were transferred at sea to Sri Lankan authorities on Wednesday evening and have since been arrested. “The boat left Sri Lanka on November 1,” Police Spokesman SPP Ajith Rohana said, adding that six children were among the passengers.
“Investigations are being conducted by the anti-people smuggling unit of the CID (Criminal Investigation Department).
“They are being held in custody, but will be taken before a magistrate shortly.”
The returns were the first since July when a boat loaded with 41 people was intercepted by Australia.
Sri Lanka charged them with illegally leaving the country, and their cases are due in a court next May.
Australia has given two vessels to Sri Lanka’s navy to patrol its shores and stop boats leaving the island, as part of Canberra’s hardline border protection policy.
