Sri Lanka, Switzerland agree to work against irregular migration

Sri Lanka on Wednesday announced that it has reached an agreement with Switzerland fight against irregular migration and related criminal activities.

Government spokesman Gayantha Karunatillake said that a proposal made by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs S.B. Navinna, to sign and enforce the agreement was approved by the cabinet.

He said the agreement looks to promote bilateral relations between the two countries through dialogue which is the determining factor for the prevention of and the fight against irregular migration and related criminal activities.

The agreement also guarantees the effective protection of the rights of migrants and the return of persons with unauthorised stay in a secure and dignified manner.

The agreement between Sri Lanka and Switzerland was signed between Swiss Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga and Nawinne.

Hundreds of Sri Lankans fled to Switzerland during a 30 year conflict between Tamil Tiger rebels and the military.

The new agreement between Sri Lanka and Switzerland serves to formalise in writing the existing procedures for mutual cooperation with the Sri Lankan authorities with regard to the readmission of persons who no longer fulfil the conditions for continued residence in the respective other country.

In order to ensure the proper implementation and application of the agreement and, more specifically, the safe repatriation of returnees and their treatment in compliance with human rights norms, regular meetings of experts are foreseen by the agreement. Endit