The Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide immigration clearance facilities for Sri Lankan refugees who illegally entered India during the war and now wish to voluntarily return to Sri Lanka.
The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs.
The returnees, who are expected to return through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), will be facilitated in accordance with instructions issued by the Attorney General.
Under the new system, individuals who left Sri Lanka without using an approved port of departure or a valid passport, but whose identities have been verified through Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in India, will undergo clearance by the State Intelligence Service.
Those who are not involved in serious offences such as murder or treason will be issued temporary passports and allowed to enter Sri Lanka without legal action under the Immigration and Emigration Act No. 20 of 1948.
People who had migrated irregularly during the relevant period will also be allowed to return without legal impediments after their identity and State Intelligence Service clearances are completed, in accordance with the powers of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration.
However, individuals convicted of murder, treason or other specified offences will be detained upon arrival and referred to the relevant authorities for appropriate legal action.
