The Sri Lankan Government is facing criticism for outsourcing its visa application process to VFS Global, a move that could see the company earn nearly $50 million a year if tourist arrival projections hold.
The government and the Ministry of Public Security are being slammed for abandoning a virtually free, state-run platform developed by SLT-Mobitel in favour of VFS Global’s services. The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) argues that over 25% of visa costs are now eaten up by VFS Global’s fees, which they say benefit neither tourists nor Sri Lanka.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles defends the decision, claiming VFS Global’s dominance in e-visa processing across other countries negated the need for a tender process. However, VFS Global is yet to address concerns regarding their allegedly high charges.
Tourism stakeholders have appealed directly to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, urging him to reinstate a user-friendly visa application system on a government website, mirroring the previous ETA system. They emphasize the need for affordable visa options to maintain tourism momentum and support economic recovery.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando has also voiced his disapproval of the new system, adding to the pressure on President Wickremesinghe to intervene and find a solution. (NewsWire)