Nineteen Sri Lankans who were facing deportation two weeks ago were released by immigration authorities last Wednesday following protests by Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram).

These 19 detainees have been in custody since October last year when they were arrested and subsequently convicted of overstaying in Johor Bahru.

They were detained in Machap Umboo, Melaka before being transferred to the KLIA detention depot for the intended deportation back to their homeland.

However, their deportation was halted when Suaram released a press statement which prompted media coverage on these Sri Lankans.

Suaram chairperson K Arumugam confirmed that all 19 detainees have been released as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has certified their refugee status.

"They are now waiting for the relocation process so that they can be resettled in another country," he said.

One of the released detainees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that he is currently staying with friends and awaiting assistance from his relatives in United Kingdom.

The 36-year-old father of two said that he ran away from detention in Sri Lanka after his wife passed away during the civil war.

Although he had obtained a card from UNHCR, he is still reluctant to leave the house as he is afraid of being arrested again.

"These days I prefer to stay at home because I do not want to go through the bitter experience again," he said.