Navy intercepts Reunion Island-bound illegal immigrants

• Trend emerging as some attempt to migrate to France via French Reunion Islands in Indian Ocean
• SL Navy intercepts 11 would-be illegal immigrants 
• Four groups of migrants intercepted since 2018 

The Navy yesterday detained 11 Sri Lankans attempting to illegally migrate to the La Reunion Islands by boat in Chilaw. 

The 11 individuals, who were hidden in an estuary in Chilaw, were detained in a joint search operation with the STF. Authorities suspect that the 11 were attempting to illegally migrate to the La Reunion Islands in the Indian Ocean, which are a French territory. 

The suspects had arrived in small lorries, and were arrested while awaiting to board small boats which would take them offshore to join a larger vessel. 

The apprehended persons have been recognised as residents of Udappuwa, and are 25 to 57 years of age. The suspects, along with the truck, were handed over to the Chilaw Police for further investigations. 

The Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted four vessels bound for the French territory since 2018. The increase in attempted journeys to the French islands indicate a possible new trend in illegal immigration, as traditional destinations such as Italy and Australia have toughened their immigration policies. 

Last year, 122 suspects were arrested by Sri Lankan authorities while trying to make the journey to the French territory.