UK Government Finally Allows Tamils Stranded in Diego Garcia to Enter
- Sixty-four Tamils, including 16 children, have been stranded on Diego Garcia since October 2021 after fleeing Sri Lanka.
- They faced unlawful detention and abusive conditions, as highlighted by a UN report that prompted legal actions.
- The UK government has decided to allow the majority of the group to relocate to the UK, following the drop of opposition to their case.
Dozens of Tamils have faced hardships on Diego Garcia after their fishing boat got into trouble while fleeing persecution in Sri Lanka in October 2021. They have been stranded on the island for over three years, with reports of abuse and poor conditions leading to mental distress among the group. Following a high court hearing, the UK government has now agreed to permit the majority, consisting of 64 individuals including 16 children, to relocate to the UK. This decision comes after significant legal challenges faced by the refugees, who aimed to escape their dire situation. Three individuals with criminal convictions remain uncertain regarding their future, while some members of the group have already been sent to Rwanda for medical treatments unavailable on the island. This shift in the UK government's stance marks a significant change in its approach towards these refugees seeking safety.