Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
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07 July 2010
AUSTRALIA TO SEND FAILED SRI LANKAN ASYLUM SEEKERS HOME
The Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has warned Sri Lankans who might be considering attempting the journey to Australia: “Do not pay a people smuggler, do not risk your life, only to arrive in Australian waters and find that far, far more likely than not you will be quickly sent home”.
Based on a range of country information and following the issue this week of UNHCR refugee guidelines, which indicate that the situation in Sri Lanka is improving, the Australian Government has lifted its suspension of processing Sri Lankan asylum claims.
As a result of improving circumstances in Sri Lanka, it is now likely that fewer Sri Lankans will be granted refugee status in Australia, with failed asylum seekers being returned home.
Citing the UNHCR’s revised eligibility guidelines on Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said that acceptance rates are likely to fall.
“Instead of automatically presuming that particular groups in Sri Lanka are refugees, the UNCHR states that all asylum claims must now be considered on a case-by-case basis,” Ms Gillard said.
By working closely with partner countries in the region, the Australian Government is committed to putting a stop to people smuggling.