Sri Lanka to simplify return of Tamil refugees from India

Sri Lanka is implementing new measures to facilitate the voluntary return of Tamil refugees who have resided in India for decades. The initiative aims to simplify immigration procedures for those who fled the country during the civil war without valid documentation.

According to Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, the cabinet has approved special arrangements for Sri Lankan nationals who left before August 1, 2006. These individuals will undergo security screening by the State Intelligence Service to ensure they have no history of murder, treason, or other specified offenses. Those cleared will be permitted entry via authorized ports or airports using temporary passports and will not face legal proceedings regarding their original unauthorized departure.

Approximately 90,000 refugees remain in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, many of whom have lived in camps for much of their lives. The repatriation process, which may involve cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), seeks to address long-standing hurdles regarding documentation, land rights, and social reintegration.