Sri Lanka simplifies immigration to facilitate refugee return from India

The United Nations has welcomed the Sri Lankan government's decision to simplify immigration procedures to facilitate the voluntary return of Tamil refugees currently residing in India. This initiative aims to expedite the repatriation of individuals who fled the island during decades of civil war, many of whom lack valid documentation.

Approximately 90,000 refugees remain in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, having arrived following ethnic violence in 1983 and the subsequent conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. While 18,000 refugees returned between 2002 and 2022, many remaining individuals face challenges regarding livelihoods, legal status, and documentation.

Marc-Andre Franche, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, stated through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that the organization will continue to support resettlement efforts. The UN described the Cabinet's decision as a “key step towards a safe & dignified return after years of displacement.” Successful repatriation is viewed as a significant component of Sri Lanka's post-war reconciliation and rehabilitation process.