Concerns over difficulty in obtaining visa in Sri Lanka

There has been an influx of concerns by the public regarding a difficulty in acquiring visas in Sri Lanka by Maldivians.

Some Maldivians living in Sri Lanka have said that the country gives a "balance-based" multiple entry visa to Maldivians. Some have also said that even though they get a visa for a long period of time or 90 days, they can only use a portion of that period for their first trip, with the rest of the days being transferred for their next visit.

Maldivians now receive a free 90-day on-arrival visa when travelling to Sri Lanka.

Some people said that they have faced many a difficulty when trying to submit student visa applications, extension/renewal of medical visas and relevant administrative procedures. They also said that employees at the Sri Lankan immigration counters have taken to communicating with them and phrasing sentences with anger and frustration.

As per accusations from those living in Sri Lanka, the visa process has been eased due to third party payments around USD 150 - USD 200 via an agent.

Maldives High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad told Sri Lankan news organization "Daily News" that complaints regarding difficulties in obtaining visas have increased, with Sri Lanka's immigration acting in an indifferent manner against Maldivians.

Masood stated that even though Maldivians are in the long queue from 9:00am to 5:00pm at Sri Lankan immigration, certain people are prioritized in giving out visas.

"It surprises me as to why immigration officials only prioritize foreigners of light skin color who travel to Sri Lanka," said Masood.

As per Masood, an agent is required in order for easy visa procedures.

A long period of time goes by after a Maldivian applies for the visa themselves which can cause difficulties. Masood put forth the accusation that this is done as such due to agents providing financial benefits to immigration officials.

"Maldivians are required to pay additional fees if they apply for a visa via an agent," said Masood.

Masood stated that even though Maldivians used to travel to Sri Lanka for education and medical treatment, the number of Maldivians who go to Sri Lanka have gone down due to these issues. He also said there have been complaints that immigration officers yell at Maldivians at Sri Lanka's immigration office and communicate in disrespectful language.

Masood further said that these issues arose after the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. He said that he has failed to receive a response to date from Sri Lankan authorities to a query he sent asking if, after the Easter Sunday bombings, Maldives has been declared a country that poses a national security threat to Sri Lanka. 

He said that even though the visa duration for Maldivian students studying in Sri Lanka has been increased from six months to one year, the visa is only given once a terrorism assessment from Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Service (SIS) is conducted.

Masood went on to say that if a solution to this issue is not found, the Maldivian government may deem it necessary to change visa regulation for the Sri Lankan workers numbering more than 30,000 in various Maldivian industries.