ABU DHABI : The attention of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been drawn to the recent media reports concerning an incident involving 17 Sri Lankan nationals who had entered Abu Dhabi using visit visas expecting to find overseas employment.
According to the foreign ministry in Colombo, Embassy officials and the UAE police authorities visited the location and found 17 Sri Lankans at the site.
Following inquiries made by the Embassy officials and the Police authorities from the said Sri Lankans, they had given statements expressing that they did not have issues or complaints. One of them, who consented to return to Sri Lanka. was repatriated by the Embassy.
However, on 15 November 2022, it was noted that the others had left for Oman, despite the Embassy’s instructions to follow proper legal and immigration procedures.
The Sri Lanka Embassies in UAE and Oman are continuously monitoring the situation and remain fully committed to ensure the welfare of the Sri Lankans.
Meanwhile , the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Kenya, which is concurrently accredited to Nigeria, is monitoring the welfare of the eight Sri Lankan crew members aboard vessel M/T Heroic IDUN detained by the Nigerian authorities for entering the Nigerian Maritime Environment on 07 August 2022, without clearance.
On the instructions of the Ministry, the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Kenya, Velupillai Kananathan, visited Lagos, Nigeria and held discussions with the Nigerian authorities on the welfare of the detained crew members and their early repatriation following the legal process. The Ministry and the High Commission will continue to monitor the situation.