IOM provides assistance to 303 illegal migrants rescued off coast of Vietnam

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) yesterday announced that it will provide humanitarian assistance to the 303 Sri Lankan illegal migrants who were rescued off the coast of Vietnam.

Responding to a request received from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Hanoi, IOM in coordination with the Governments of Vietnam and Sri Lanka, its missions in the two countries and relevant UN agencies, are providing necessary assistance and protection, the IOM said in a statement.

It stated that this support is provided in line with the relevant local and international standards and laws.

IOM appreciated the Government of Vietnam’s willingness to offer a place of safety and assist the 303 vulnerable Sri Lankan migrants rescued at sea, while IOM, the Government of Sri Lanka, and other counterparts, conduct vulnerability screenings and necessary assessments to ascertain the situation.

Once the assessments are completed, in addition to providing basic necessities, including food and medical aid, IOM and partners will facilitate the potential voluntary return of the migrants, should they wish to do so.

IOM said it stands ready to support the Government of Sri Lanka and Vietnam in their efforts in making migration safe and dignified, supporting migrants and communities in vulnerable situations, and addressing the adverse drivers of migration and displacement.

These migrants have expressed their unwillingness to return to Sri Lanka and have appealed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to help them settle in a foreign country, Vietnamese media reported.