Cabinet nod to gazette new draft Immigration Bill

Saturday, 15 August 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the publication of a new draft Immigration Bill in the Government Gazette aimed at replacing the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No. 20 of 1948 and introducing updated provisions to the country’s immigration and emigration framework.

The Bill will subsequently be presented to Parliament for consideration and approval.

A previous draft bill had been prepared to replace the existing legislation. However, further action on that draft could not be taken following the dissolution of the Ninth Parliament on 24 September 2024. The Government subsequently reconsidered the matter, taking into account the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the earlier draft.

Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the preparation of a new Bill at its meeting held on 18 August 2025.

Further amendments were subsequently considered in relation to the introduction of electronic passports. At its meeting on 10 December 2025, the Cabinet approved the inclusion of provisions in the new draft Bill to designate the Secretary to the Ministry responsible for Immigration and Emigration as the Country Signing Certification Authority.

The proposed legislation is expected to provide a modern legal framework for immigration and emigration administration, while incorporating provisions necessary to support the introduction and security of electronic passports and biometric identification technology.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshana Nanayakkara.