CAA approval not needed for dual citizen returnees: Govt.

Tuesday, 22 December 2020 02:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Foreign Ministry revises procedure for inbound travellers introduced in March
No approval from Foreign Secretary or CAA needed
New measure to be implemented from 26 Dec.
Sole responsibility of airlines to ensure passengers adhere to paid quarantine

The Foreign Ministry yesterday said all Sri Lankans or dual citizens would be allowed to travel on any commercial flight to the country without requiring Foreign Secretary or Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval from 26 December.

The revision of the procedure for inbound travellers to Sri Lanka, introduced since March 2020, was based on the joint decision made by the Foreign Ministry, the Department of Immigration and the CAA and as agreed to by the Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The following procedure will take effect from 26 December.

1. The Government of Sri Lanka (Foreign Ministry and National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) will arrange special repatriation flights for the Government quarantine facilities in coordination with Sri Lanka Missions abroad for migrant workers, students, patients, short-term visa holders, Government and military officials,

2. i. However, Sri Lankans or Foreigners of Sri Lankan origin (Holders of Dual Citizenship) will be allowed to travel on any commercial/non-repatriation flights to Sri Lanka without the approval of the Foreign Secretary (or) Civil Aviation Authority subject to the limit of passengers per flight determined by the Civil Aviation Authority, based on concurrence/consultation of NOCPCO subject to compliance with paid quarantining at a designated hotel.

ii. It is the sole responsibility of the airline concerned to ensure that the passengers allowed on board under the above arrangement will strictly adhere to the paid quarantine.

The revision of procedure for inbound travellers will be subject to review based on further assessments made on new guidelines.