Australia likely to return 68 Sri Lankan boat people

A group of 68 Sri Lankans who attempted to illegally migrate to Australia will likely be sent home, the Australian embassy said in a statement here on Tuesday. "Those who are screened out will be returned to Colombo as soon as possible, often within days," a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) spokesman was quoted as saying. "If any of the group is screened in, they will not come to Australia for assessment; they will be among the first Sri Lankan boat arrivals sent to Papua New Guinea for processing. "If they are entitled to asylum, they will not be able to settle in Australia; they will be settled in Papua New Guinea." Under new rules announced on July 19, anyone, including a person from Sri Lanka, who arrives in Australia by boat without a visa no longer has the chance to settle in Australia. Australia and Papua New Guinea signed the new agreement, meaning all people arriving by boat without a visa from July 19 will be sent to Papua New Guinea, where their claims will be assessed. If people are found to be refugees, they will be permanently settled in Papua New Guinea not Australia. Around 1300 Sri Lankans have been sent home since August 2012.