The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa announces the safe repatriation of three Sri Lankan nationals who were rescued from human traffickers in Ethiopia, following the successful completion of all necessary judicial procedures and consular formalities. The three individuals departed Addis Ababa for Sri Lanka on 30 July 2026.

Upon receiving immediate notification of the situation, the Embassy of Sri Lanka coordinated a high-priority response with the Ethiopian security authorities. A targeted rescue operation was launched by the Federal Police Commission of Ethiopia, together with the Police Commissions of Addis Ababa, Oromia, Hawassa, and Shashemene. Through these joint efforts, the law enforcement agencies successfully rescued all three individuals within 14 days of their capture on 6 June 2026. In parallel, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Sri Lanka initiated law enforcement action against the network's local facilitators in Sri Lanka.

Following their rescue, the Embassy worked closely with the Ethiopian authorities to complete all required legal procedures. In a significant humanitarian gesture, the Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS) of Ethiopia granted a complete waiver of the visa overstay fines accumulated during the victims' period of captivity and judicial proceedings.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal and Addis Ababa Police Commissions, the Judiciary, and the Immigration and Citizenship Services, for their prompt rescue operation, administrative support, and close cooperation, reflecting the longstanding friendship between the two countries. The Embassy also acknowledges with appreciation the assistance extended by the Sri Lankan community in Ethiopia in accommodating the victims during their stay in Addis Ababa prior to repatriation.

In light of this incident, the Embassy strongly cautions Sri Lankan youth against using illegal migration routes through Africa to reach destinations in Europe or North America. Border controls across African transit countries are exceptionally stringent, and engaging with unauthorized human smugglers exposes individuals to serious safety risks, human exploitation, excessive visa overstay penalties, and severe legal consequences. The Embassy advises all citizens to use only official channels for overseas employment and travel.

The three Sri Lankans arrived at Bole International Airport on 24 May 2026, seeking passage to Europe or North America through irregular travel routes. Shortly after their arrival, they were abducted by a human trafficking network, which demanded a ransom of USD 30,000 per individual from their families in Sri Lanka.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

7 August 2026