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Australia has forcibly sent back 183 asylum seekers who attempted to flee crisis-hit Sri Lanka.
“We will stop any maritime people smuggling vessels seeking to reach Australia, and safely return those on board to their point of departure or country of origin, or if required, transfer them to a regional processing country,” Operation Sovereign Borders Rear Admiral Jones reportedly said.
“We are aware that several people were recently detained in Kerala for attempting to migrate illegally by boat. I commend the relevant authorities for their swift action, a vital step towards dismantling the criminal people smuggling trade,” he added.
This is the latest move by Australia who continue to face criticism over its border policy. Earlier this year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that “people who arrive by boat will not be settled here."
Australia’s immigration policy has been slammed for years as asylum seekers, mainly Tamils, continue to flee Sri Lanka as human rights organisations around the world documented ongoing human rights violations and militarisation of the island.
