Govt. to streamline visa procedures to boost visitors 

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles 

The Government opted to simplify visa procedures conducted by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to improve existing visa processes and align with processes that proved beneficial to boosting foreign interest.

The move comes following the recent decision by authorities to ease security protocols at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at Katunayake and to introduce new e-gate counters to enhance passenger convenience.

Under the provisions of the Immigration and Emigration Act No. 20 of 1948 and its corresponding regulations, the Department of Immigration and Emigration is responsible for granting three primary categories of visas – visit visas, resident visas, and transit visas. 

Given the complexities inherent in the issuing of visit and resident visa categories, the authorities have decided to reassess the country’s current visa procedures. 

“This evaluation involves studying the visa methodologies adopted by countries that excel in attracting foreign visitors,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

The proposal furnished by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday.

Alles made a sudden observation visit to the BIA recently along with Immigration Department Controller-General Harsha Ilukpitiya and other airport officials, to inspect the eased security protocols initiated to improve passenger convenience during peak hours.

One of the key concerns discussed was the establishment of new e-gate counters to enhance passenger convenience without compromising their safety.