The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa says all judicial procedures and consular formalities relating to the three Sri Lankan nationals rescued from human traffickers in Ethiopia have now been completed.
The Embassy said it worked closely with the Ethiopian authorities to conclude the required legal processes following the rescue operation.
As part of the process, Ethiopia’s Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS) granted a full waiver of the visa overstay fines incurred during the victims’ captivity and the subsequent judicial proceedings, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The Embassy thanked the Government of Ethiopia, including its law enforcement authorities, judiciary and immigration officials, for their cooperation, and also acknowledged the support extended by the Sri Lankan community in Ethiopia.
The Embassy again urged Sri Lankans not to use irregular migration routes through Africa to reach Europe or North America, warning of the risks of human trafficking, exploitation and legal consequences. (Newswire)