Authorities of Reunion Island of France repatriated 14 Sri Lankan nationals by air on December 22. Reportedly, the group of Sri Lankans was apprehended as they were attempting to migrate to the Reunion Island illegally by sea. Amongst the group repatriated, were seven persons who migrated aboard Amongst the group repatriated, were seven persons who migrated aboard the multi-day fishing trawler IMUL-A- 0813- KLT on December 7, two individuals who migrated aboard the multi-day fishing trawler IMUL-A- 0469 NBO on August 22, three persons who migrated aboard the multi-day fishing trawler IMUL-A- 0014 CBO in 2018 and two individuals who migrated from Indonesia in 2019.
They have been identified as residents of Beruwala, Chilaw and Kalawanchikudi from 21 to 60 years of age. The Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Sri Lanka Police are conducting further legal proceedings regarding these illegal immigrants.
The French government does not entertain the illegal entry of people to Reunion Island and such people will be immediately repatriated upon apprehension.
Hence, the Sri Lanka Navy is urging the public to avoid engaging in or supporting illegal migration orchestrated by human traffickers via sea.