Following the rescue and repatriation of three Sri Lankan nationals from human traffickers in Ethiopia, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Addis Ababa has issued a strong warning against illegal migration attempts through African transit routes.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa has issued a cautionary statement directed at Sri Lankan youth, urging them to avoid attempting illegal migration through Africa to reach Europe or North America. The warning follows a successful operation by Ethiopian security authorities that resulted in the rescue of three Sri Lankan nationals from a human trafficking network and their subsequent safe return to Sri Lanka on 30 July 2026.
According to the Embassy, the three individuals arrived at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa on 24 May 2026 seeking irregular passage to Europe or North America. Shortly after arrival, they were abducted by human traffickers who demanded USD 30,000 per person from their families in Sri Lanka. The victims were later rescued through coordinated efforts between Sri Lankan and Ethiopian authorities.
The Embassy emphasized that attempting illegal migration exposes individuals to significant dangers including exploitation, abduction by criminal networks, strict legal penalties, and severe visa overstay consequences. Border controls across African transit nations operate under stringent measures, the statement noted. Officials advised Sri Lankan citizens to pursue migration through official and legitimate channels only, underlining the severe risks associated with unauthorized human smuggling operations.
The repatriated individuals completed all necessary judicial procedures and consular formalities before returning to Sri Lanka.
