In December 2024, 115 Rohingya people, including 25 children, were rescued near Mullaitivu while trying to reach Sri Lanka on a multi-day boat journey. Officials found that 12 men organized this voyage. At the same time, three groups of Sri Lankans trafficked for forced labor in cybercrime operations in East Asia were brought back home.
Research Fellow and Head of Migration and Urbanisation Research at the institute of Policy studies argues that Sri Lanka needs to look forward looking on the Rohigya Refugee issue.
Refugees or Illegal Immigrants?
The lines between asylum seekers and illegal immigrants are often blurred. Many refugees pay smugglers to escape persecution, which raises questions about their status. The rescued Rohingya reportedly paid large sums for their journey. Investigations suggest these arrivals may be linked to human trafficking networks rather than genuine refugee movements. Intelligence reports also warn of more such arrivals, possibly involving another 100,000 people. The government has stated it will help genuine refugees under international law, but many arrivals appear tied to smuggling operations.
Cost of Escape
Rohingya refugees reportedly paid as much as “5 million in their currencies” to reach Sri Lanka. This informal payment system often leads to exploitation. Ironically, while Rohingya people flee to Sri Lanka for safety, Sri Lankans are being trafficked to online crime syndicates in Myanmar and East Asia under false job promises.
What Can Sri Lanka Do?
Sri Lanka’s government needs to address these challenges with clear policies and actions. Some options include:
Stronger Border Control: Sri Lanka can adopt stricter measures to stop unauthorized arrivals. Australia’s “Operation Sovereign Borders” and “Zero Chance” campaigns are good examples of reducing illegal migration.
Awareness Campaigns: Informing Rohingya people about Sri Lanka’s limited capacity to handle refugees can discourage risky journeys.
International Partnerships: Working with countries like Australia and regional neighbors can help Sri Lanka learn from their strategies and improve its response.
Clear Legal Policies: Sri Lanka needs laws to differentiate between refugees, trafficked individuals, and illegal immigrants. Joining international agreements like the 1951 Refugee Convention could strengthen these efforts.
Temporary Protections: Countries like Germany and Sweden offer temporary refuge during crises. Sri Lanka could provide similar short-term support without long-term commitments.
The Road Ahead
In the future, refugees in Sri Lanka may face issues like finding jobs, accessing healthcare, and securing housing. Balancing humanitarian needs with national interests will require careful planning and strong policies. By learning from other countries and improving its systems, Sri Lanka can tackle these migration challenges effectively.
