Malaysia repatriates over 1,500 duped Sri Lankans

Over 1,500 Sri Lankans who had been duped by various racketeers promising them employment in Malaysia and facilitating their journey to other countries via Malaysia were sent back in batches during a two-month period beginning March 01, this year.

The Foreign Ministry said that Sri Lanka HC in Malaysia facilitated the repatriation of 1,608 illegal migrants. “This operation was conducted in coordination with the Malaysian Government’s Migrant Repatriation Programme over a two-month period from 01 March 2024 to 30 April 2024,” a senior spokesperson said, disclosing before the launch of this particular initiative the HC repatriated 124 illegal migrants between January 1 to February 28, 2024. This brings the total number of repatriations to 1,732, the official said.

The Migrant Repatriation Programme that had been launched by the Malaysian Government was meant to assist illegal immigrants in voluntarily returning to their home countries by providing legal exemptions and financial relief.

The official said that in spite of repeated warnings over the years, people, in some instances entire families risked all that they had to secure employment and better life in other countries.