As the President of the Sri Lanka Association of Australia
Awards Alumni (SLAAAA), I am deeply concerned about the risks and dangers
associated with irregular migration from Sri Lanka to Australia. Many people in
Sri Lanka are attracted to the idea of migrating to Australia in search of
better opportunities and a better life. However, the journey is fraught with
danger and risk, and it is important to raise awareness about these issues.
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, has experienced significant economic growth and development in recent years. However, the country still faces various challenges, including poverty, unemployment, political instability, and conflict. These factors have led to a significant number of Sri Lankans migrating to other countries, including Australia, in search of better opportunities.
The Consequences of Migrant
Smuggling on Communities and Individuals
Migrant smuggling has become a major issue globally, with
millions of people taking perilous journeys in search of better lives.
Unfortunately, the high cost of these journeys has devastating consequences on
the individuals who undertake them and the communities they leave behind. In
many cases, migrants who make the payment prior to being smuggled by sea have
done so by selling property and other assets, or borrowing extensively from
family members and friends. This article explores the impact of migrant
smuggling on communities and individuals and highlights the challenges faced by
those who make the journey.
The High Cost of Migrant Smuggling
Migrant smuggling involves significant financial costs,
which can have devastating consequences for individuals and their communities.
In Sri Lanka, for example, the fee that many migrants have to pay to be
smuggled is several times their annual income. This puts enormous pressure on
the migrant to find work and earnings that are sufficient enough to cover any
debt they may have incurred.
The Loss of Valuable Financial
Assets
By borrowing or selling their assets to finance the
migrant’s journey, lenders may have given up a substantial portion of their
savings. This can have a profound impact on communities, which may lose
valuable financial assets and economic empowerment. This loss can be especially
significant in communities where the majority of people are poor, and resources
are scarce.
The Danger and Risk of Migrant
Smuggling
The journey undertaken by migrants is fraught with danger
and a high degree of risk. Migrants may face violence, exploitation, and abuse
during their journey, and the risks of drowning, suffocation, or being
abandoned at sea are significant. Even if the migrant is successful in reaching
his destination, he still faces the difficult task of finding work and a
sufficient source of income.
The Consequences of Debt and
Desperation
Given the high cost of migrant smuggling, migrants are often
burdened with significant debt, which they are desperate to repay. However, a
lack of employment opportunities in the host country and desperation to pay
back these debts may force migrants to undertake illegal activities, further
implicating them in a life of crime and risking serious consequences if caught
by law enforcement authorities.
Migration from Sri Lanka to
Australia
Migration from Sri Lanka to Australia has been ongoing for
several decades. According to the Department of Home Affairs, there were
approximately 150,000 people of Sri Lankan origin living in Australia in 2016.
The majority of Sri Lankan migrants to Australia are skilled workers, students,
and family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
However, irregular migration from Sri Lanka to Australia
also exists. Irregular migration refers to the movement of individuals outside
of the legal framework, without proper documentation, and often using illegal
means to enter a country. Irregular migration can pose significant risks and
dangers to individuals and society, and it is essential to highlight these
issues to prevent further harm.
Risks and Dangers of Irregular
Migration
a) Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a severe and widespread problem in
today's world, and it often occurs as a result of irregular migration. Human
trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of
individuals, usually for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Sri Lankan
migrants who are irregularly migrating to Australia may be at risk of becoming
victims of human trafficking.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,
Sri Lanka is a source and transit country for human trafficking. Women and
children are particularly vulnerable to trafficking, and they may be lured with
the promise of a better life or job opportunities. However, upon arrival, they
may be forced to work in exploitative conditions, such as domestic servitude or
prostitution.
b) Exploitation
Irregular migrants are often at risk of exploitation, as
they may be forced to work in hazardous or low-paying jobs without proper
documentation or protection. Sri Lankan migrants who are irregularly migrating
to Australia may be vulnerable to exploitation, particularly in the
agricultural and hospitality industries, which are known for exploiting migrant
workers.
Exploitation can take many forms, including physical and
emotional abuse, wage theft, and poor living conditions. Irregular migrants may
be reluctant to report these issues to authorities, as they may fear
deportation or retaliation from their employers.
c) Abuse
Irregular migration can also lead to various forms of abuse,
including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Sri Lankan migrants who are
irregularly migrating to Australia may be at risk of abuse, particularly if
they are undocumented or lack proper documentation.
Abuse can occur at various stages of the migration process,
including during transit and upon arrival. For example, migrants may be
subjected to physical or sexual abuse by smugglers or traffickers during the
journey. Upon arrival, migrants may be subjected to emotional abuse, such as
discrimination or harassment, or physical abuse, such as detention or
deportation.
Preventing Irregular Migration and
Addressing its Consequences
Preventing irregular migration and addressing its
consequences requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach that involves
various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international
organizations.
Governments can take several measures to prevent irregular
migration, such as strengthening border control and immigration policies,
improving labor standards, and increasing access to legal migration pathways.
In addition, governments can work with other countries to address the root
causes of irregular migration, such as poverty, conflict, and lack of opportunities.
Civil society organizations can play a critical role in
preventing irregular migration by raising awareness about the risks and dangers
of irregular migration and providing support to migrants. For example, they can
provide legal assistance, counseling, and access to education and training.
International organizations, such as the United Nations, can
also play a significant role in preventing irregular migration and addressing
its consequences. They can provide technical assistance and funding to governments
and civil society organizations and coordinate efforts to address the root
causes of irregular migration.
Therefor, irregular migration from Sri Lanka to Australia
poses significant risks and dangers to individuals and society, such as human
trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. Preventing irregular migration and
addressing its consequences requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach
that involves various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and
international organizations. By working together, we can prevent the harm
caused by irregular migration and ensure that individuals can migrate safely
and with dignity.
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