Gota clears Islamists visiting for Tabligh

Tuesday, 24 January 2012 00:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday resolved the dispute over the planned deportation of visitors of Islamic faith contravening visa regulations.

The resolution follows discussions between Rajapaksa, Controller of Immigration and Emigration, Cabinet Ministers and MPs of Islamic faith including Deputy Minister Faizer Musthafa as well as Presidential Advisor and Opposition Leader of the CMC Milinda Moragoda.

The Controller has agreed to institute a procedure for those foreigners engaged in Tabligh Jamat (propagating the message of Islam), to ensure they comply with existing immigration laws. Those already in the country will be permitted to stay provided they have valid visa and won’t be deported.

The Government was previously planning to deport these visitors partly due to security reasons as well as for contravening visa regulations.