The Sri Lankan Embassy in Addis Ababa has finalized all legal and consular matters for three nationals rescued from human traffickers, with Ethiopian authorities waiving visa overstay fines incurred during their ordeal.
All judicial procedures and consular formalities have been concluded for three Sri Lankan nationals who were rescued from human traffickers in Ethiopia, according to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa. The Embassy worked in coordination with Ethiopian authorities to complete the necessary legal processes following the rescue operation.
As part of the resolution, Ethiopia's Immigration and Citizenship Services granted a complete waiver of visa overstay fines that the victims had accumulated during their period in captivity and throughout the subsequent judicial proceedings. The Foreign Ministry acknowledged the cooperation extended by various Ethiopian government agencies, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and immigration officials. The Embassy also recognized the assistance provided by the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Ethiopia.
In light of the incident, the Embassy has reiterated warnings to Sri Lankan citizens against attempting irregular migration through African routes to reach Europe or North America. Officials emphasized the serious dangers associated with such journeys, including vulnerability to human trafficking, exploitation, and potential legal complications.
