The Réunion Island authorities in France have repatriated a group of Sri Lankan nationals who illegally migrated to the island by sea.
The Navy reported that several Sri Lankans who migrated to Réunion Island a few years ago were part of the repatriated group. Among them were seven individuals who migrated aboard the multi-day fishing trawler IMUL-A-0813-KLT on December 7, 2023, two individuals aboard the multi-day fishing trawler IMUL-A-0469-NBO on August 22, 2022, three persons aboard the multi-day fishing trawler IMUL-A-0014-CBO in 2018, and two individuals who migrated from Indonesia in 2019.
The repatriation took place on the UU 0050 aircraft on December 22. The individuals, aged between 21 and 60, hail from Beruwala, Chilaw, and Kalawanchikudi areas.
The Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Sri Lanka Police are pursuing further legal proceedings regarding these illegal immigrants.
The Sri Lanka Navy emphasized that the French government promptly repatriates individuals involved in the illegal entry to Réunion Island. The public is urged to refrain from participating in or supporting illegal migration facilitated by human traffickers via the sea.
