Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Masood Imad, has raised concerns over the ordeal faced by Maldivian tourists to secure a visa in Sri Lanka.
According to the State run Daily News newspaper, High Commissioner Masood Imad has likened the experience to step-motherly treatment at the hands of Sri Lankan Emigration and Immigration Department officials.
“Maldivian nationals are forced to languish in long queues from 9 am. to 5 pm. to secure a visa, and there seems to be a lack of understanding that Maldivians are also foreigners, similar to those with fair skin. I am perplexed as to why officials only consider those who arrive in Sri Lanka with fair skin as visitors,” he stated.
Noting that Maldivian students and their parents often have to wait for hours at the department to obtain visas when applying individually, he pointed out that, however, visas applied through travel agents are granted immediately without any hassle.
The High Commissioner hinted at officials within the department receiving some financial benefits when visa applications are submitted through travel agents.
“Maldivians are required to pay extra fees when applying for visas through travel agents. Maldivian citizens are being reprimanded and shouted at by Emigration and Immigration Department officials in Sri Lanka. They fail to treat them as visitors,” he further said.
Highlighting a recent incident, High Commissioner Masood Imad said, “Just two days ago, a senior Customs officer from the Maldives came here for a holiday, and that officer has been taken to a room for questioning. She visited because she appreciates Sri Lanka and its natural beauty.”
The High Commissioner warned that if this situation persists, the Maldivian government will be forced to revise its visa policy concerning Sri Lankan professionals working in various sectors within the Maldives. (Newswire)