The United Arab Emirates expanded its visa-on-arrival program to include nationals of six countries and their accompanying family members.

Under the new decision, nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa holding ordinary passports, along with their accompanying family members, are eligible to obtain a 14-day or 60-day visa on arrival, provided they hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. 

The initiative reflects the UAE’s flexible entry and residency framework and its commitment to facilitating travel while providing visitors with a seamless travel experience.

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that expanding eligibility for the visa-on-arrival program reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with friendly countries and fostering closer economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. 

The initiative also creates greater opportunities for nationals of these countries to experience the UAE’s unique cultural landscape, world-class tourism offerings, dynamic economy, attractive business environment, and globally recognized infrastructure. 

The Ministry further emphasized that it will continue to work in close coordination with the relevant national authorities to facilitate the movement of travelers, streamline consular procedures, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for business, investment, entrepreneurship, and exceptional talent. 

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) stated that the new amendments reflect the Authority’s ongoing efforts to enhance the UAE’s visa framework, expand the scope of beneficiaries, and align its services with global best practices in travel, tourism, and mobility. The Authority added that the decision also strengthens cooperation with partner countries while supporting the UAE’s leading position in global competitiveness indicators related to residency, tourism, and travel.

The ICP explained that eligibility for the new visa-on-arrival scheme requires applicants and their accompanying family members to be nationals of one of the six eligible countries and to hold a valid residence permit issued by the United States, a European Union member state, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. The Authority further clarified that the visa is available for either 14 days or 60 days, depending on the type of visa issued.

The Authority noted that the 14-day visa may be extended once while the holder is in the UAE, whereas the 60-day visa is issued for a single stay and is not extendable. Upon the expiry of either visa, holders are required to depart the country. An overstay fine of Dh50 per day will apply to those who remain beyond the permitted period.

The total issuance fee for the 14-day visa is Dh100, while the total issuance fee for the 60-day visa is Dh250. (Gulf News)

The post UAE expands visa-on-arrival scheme to citizens of six countries appeared first on Newswire.

India has introduced some key changes in immigration rules, aimed at easing compliance while tightening procedural clarity. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing key changes to registration timelines, emergency provisions, and a streamlined digital appeals mechanism.

One of the most notable changes relates to the registration requirements for foreigners staying in India. Under the revised rules, foreign individuals who wish to stay longer can now complete their registration “any time before the expiry of 180 days” from their arrival in the country. This replaces the earlier provision, which required registration within 14 days after the expiry of the 180 days.

The Indian government has simultaneously tightened norms for delayed registration. The amendment clearly states that registration beyond the prescribed period will now be permitted only under “emergent circumstances,” signalling a stricter approach towards non-compliance while still allowing flexibility in genuine cases. 

Issued through an official Gazette notification late on Monday, the amendments have been made under Section 30 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and come into force with immediate effect.

Citizenship for children

The rules also introduce important clarifications regarding children and citizenship status. As per the notification, the registration requirement will not apply in cases where either parent is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain the child’s Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955. This provision is expected to remove ambiguity for families with mixed nationality backgrounds.

Further, in cases where a child acquires foreign citizenship while residing in India, the amended rules mandate that either parent must inform the Registration Officer within 30 days of such acquisition. Officials say this move is aimed at ensuring better tracking and documentation of citizenship transitions involving minors.

Another procedural change has been made in relation to reporting timelines under certain provisions, which have now been rationalised to ensure adherence within a strict 24-hour window. While the amendment appears technical, it is expected to improve real-time compliance and monitoring.

A major highlight of the reform package is the introduction of a fully digitised appeals process. Individuals aggrieved by directions issued by civil authorities can now file appeals before the Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration, within 30 days through a designated online portal. This marks a shift towards a more transparent and accessible grievance redressal system.

The rules also set a clear timeline for the disposal of such appeals. The Commissioner is required to pass a reasoned order and endeavour to complete proceedings within 60 days from the date of receipt of the appeal, after providing the concerned party an opportunity to be heard.

The time-bound framework is expected to reduce delays and enhance administrative efficiency.

Officials indicated that the amendments are part of a broader effort to modernise India’s immigration framework, balancing facilitation with enforcement.

By easing certain procedural requirements while introducing stricter conditions for delays and a digital-first approach to appeals, the government aims to create a more predictable and efficient system.

The latest changes are likely to benefit foreign nationals, institutions, and authorities alike by reducing ambiguity, improving compliance, and strengthening oversight in immigration-related processes. (ANI/ Khaleej Times)

The post India’s visa rule change: Foreigners need to apply for stay extension within 180 days appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lankan families living legally in the UK are among those who have received letters from the United Kingdom (UK) Home Office saying they must leave the country, as the government clamps down on family visas for care workers.

According to a report by The Guardian, at least five children, some as young as five, and a pregnant woman have been issued removal notices in recent weeks. 

The families had arrived before new restrictions on care worker visas came into force in 2024 and 2025, yet are now being told to separate or return home.

“We have been living legally in the UK since we arrived here on Christmas Day in 2022. My visa has been extended until 2031. But my husband and children, who are my dependants, have been told to leave the country,” said Varuni Arachchige, a Sri Lankan care worker based in Perth, Scotland. Her two children, aged eight and five, are thriving at school.

Another Sri Lankan care worker, Rasika Samarasinghe, who arrived in October 2022, voiced his distress: “We have done everything legally in this country, and we have paid every single tax. I’m not an overstayer; I just want a better future for my children. My focus is on family. I can’t do anything without my family.”

The clampdown follows government estimates that 120,000 family members joined 100,000 care worker applicants by 2023. From March 2024, care workers were barred from bringing dependants, and overseas recruitment was banned in July 2025. 

Lawyers say cases of dependants being refused have risen sharply. Surveys of migrant care workers warn that extending settlement eligibility from five years to 15 could trigger a mass exodus, risking the loss of millions of weekly care hours.

A Home Office spokesperson defended the policy, stating: “It is a privilege, not a right, to settle in the UK and it must be earned, rewarding contribution and those who play by the rules.” 

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jun/01/home-office-letters-children-care-workers-leave-uk (Newswire)

The post Sri Lankan families living legally in the UK told to leave under care worker visa clampdown appeared first on Newswire.

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has approved regulations to grant free 30-day electronic tourist visas (ETA) to citizens of 40 selected countries in a move aimed at boosting Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

The approval was granted during a recent COPF meeting held in Parliament under the chairmanship of MP Harsha de Silva.

According to a statement issued by Parliament, the proposed regulations under the Immigration and Emigration Act will allow eligible foreign nationals to receive free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permits for a 30-day stay in Sri Lanka.

Officials said the programme is initially proposed for a one-year period, with the possibility of extending it for several more years following review.

The committee also discussed follow-up action related to the Auditor General’s report on Sri Lanka’s electronic visa system tabled in Parliament in 2024.

Immigration officials informed the committee that action would be taken once the relevant reports submitted to Parliament are officially received by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Officials also noted that investigations into the visa system remain ongoing by the police.

The committee was further informed that additional security measures have now been introduced to prevent cyber-related vulnerabilities in the visa application process.

According to officials, visa applicants are now required to provide their date of birth and passport number in addition to the previous reference number when checking application status online.

COPF members also questioned officials regarding foreign tourists allegedly engaging in illegal tourism-related businesses in Sri Lanka.

Officials said such foreign nationals are identified through joint operations conducted with the police during the tourism season, after which their visas are cancelled, and they are deported to their home countries. (Newswire)

The post COPF approves regulations to issue free 30-day ETA to tourists from 40 countries appeared first on Newswire.

Applicants for visas to the United States will now have to affirm that they do not fear persecution in their home countries as the Trump administration seeks to further restrict potential asylum seeks from entering the country.

The new rule, outlined in a diplomatic cable to all embassies and consulates this week, comes amid a sweeping shift in policies that have upended and restricted immigration to the US.

The administration had already increased vetting for student visa applicants, and it has temporarily paused decisions on immigration applications to ensure that they meet newly rolled out security check guidance, according to a source familiar with the situation and an internal memo.

The rule applies for those applying for nonimmigrant visas, which include those for tourists, students and temporary workers. In January, the US suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries.

“Consular officers must prevent abuse of the immigration system by visa applicants who misrepresent their purpose of travel, including those who attempt to obtain nonimmigrant visas for the purpose of claiming asylum upon arrival in the United States,” said the cable, which was reviewed by CNN.

The Washington Post first reported on the cable.

The directive from the State Department instructs consular officers to ask nonimmigrant visa applicants two questions: “Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?” and “Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?” 

“Visa applicants must respond verbally with a ‘no’ to both questions for the consular officer to continue with visa issuance,” the cable instructed.

A State Department spokesperson said, “Consular officers are the first line of defense for US national security” and noted the department “uses all available tools and resources to determine whether each visa applicant qualifies under US law.”

In order to seek asylum, a person must be physically present in the US and be fleeing political, racial or religious persecution in their home country.

Camille Mackler, an immigration policy consultant, told CNN that the new directive “is going to put people in really bad, terrible positions of having to make choices that ultimately affect their and their family’s safety.”

“I also think this pushes people to unsafe pathways and unsafe routes, because if you need to leave, you leave, and you do whatever you need to do that,” she said. (CNN)

The post US to deny visas to applicants citing fear of persecution at home appeared first on Newswire.

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced new requirements for non-immigrant visa applicants, effective immediately.

According to the Embassy, applicants seeking A‑3, C‑3 (if a domestic worker), G‑5, H‑3 and their H‑4 dependents, K‑1, K‑2, K‑3, Q, R‑1, R‑2, S, T, and U visas must adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”

The Embassy further noted that H‑1B applicants and their dependents, as well as F, M, and J visa applicants, remain subject to this review.

The U.S. Embassy explains that the measure is intended to facilitate vetting necessary to establish applicants’ identity and admissibility to the United States. (Newswire)

The post US updates visa rules, tightens vetting with social media requirement appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to extend visas for foreigners unable to leave Sri Lanka due to the cancellation of flights as a result of the Middle East conflict, since February 28, 2026.

Under the decision, affected travellers will be granted a 14‑day visa extension free of charge. If cancellations continue, their visas will be extended for a further 14‑day period without fees.

The measure was introduced by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, who emphasized the need to provide legal facilities for stranded passengers until alternative travel arrangements can be made.

This move ensures that foreigners impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East can remain in Sri Lanka lawfully while awaiting new flight options. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka approves free 14-day visa extensions for stranded foreign travellers appeared first on Newswire.

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says Sri Lanka will grant free one-month visas to a group rescued from Iranian vessels, allowing them to remain in Sri Lanka under humanitarian protection, Indian media, The Hindu, reported. 

According to the report, speaking on the matter on Sunday (08), Minister Ananda Wijepala said similar decisions could be taken in the future if necessary, stressing that such measures are not intended to support or harm any particular party.

“They will be granted one month gratis visas,” Wijepala told reporters. “We will not be taking any sides but will act on a humanitarian basis in terms of international law,” he stressed.

There are 32 who had survived the U.S. submarine attack on the sunk ‘IRIS Dena’ frigate. Another 186 were evacuated from ‘IRIS Bushehr’.

Out of the 32 from the sunk frigate, only 10 remain under treatment at Karapitiya, the national hospital at Galle, the southern port city. The 22 have been discharged from the hospital.

They were admitted on Wednesday (04) after the ship had been sunk, consequent to being torpedoed by a U.S. submarine.

Sri Lanka is yet to make a decision on their repatriation. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said Sri Lanka would strictly adhere to the relevant international laws to deal with the situation. (Newswire/ The Hindu)

The post Rescued Iranian sailors to receive gratis visas : Minister appeared first on Newswire.

Britain has announced that it will stop issuing student visas to people from Afghanistan, ​Cameroon, Myanmarand Sudan.

It will also suspend skilled work visas ​to people from Afghanistan, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Home Office said the move was an attempt to clamp down on asylum seekers who enter Britain through legal routes.

“An ’emergency brake’ on visas ‌has been ‌imposed for ​the first time on nationals from ​four countries following a ⁠surge ​in asylum ​claims from ​legal routes,” ‌the UK Home ​Office ⁠said.

Since 2021, almost 135,000 people have entered the country legally on visas before subsequently lodging asylum claims, the Home Office said.

The Home Office said it had cut student asylum claims by 20% in 2025, but it needed to take “further action” because those arriving on study visas still make up 13% of asylum claims in the system.

The number of asylum applications by students from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Sudan and Myanmar had “rocketed” by more than 470% between 2021 and 2025, it said.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “taking the unprecedented decision to refuse visas for those nationals seeking to exploit our generosity.”

UK tightening asylum rules

The announcement comes a day after the UK’s tightened asylum rules took effect.

Under the reforms, the Home Office will review the refugee status for adults and their accompanying children every 30 months.

Refugees whose countries are deemed safe will be expected to return home.

Under previous rules, those granted refugee status had it for five years and could apply for indefinite leave to remain and get on a route to citizenship.

Unaccompanied children will continue to receive five years’ leave while a long-term policy for the group is considered.

Asylum seekers already in the country will continue to be assessed under the previous rules, it is understood.

The policy shift is modelled on Denmark’s system, one of the toughest asylum and immigration systems in Europe. Since 2015, Denmark has made refugee status subject to review every two years.

Migration has become a major issue in British politics, with the hard-right Reform UK surging in opinion polls with its anti-migration stance. (DW)

The post UK stops issuing student visas for 4 countries appeared first on Newswire.

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, together with National Development Bank PLC (NDB Bank), has launched Card Present Connect (CPC), an in-person digital payment acceptance solution powered by Cybersource, Visa’s open payment platform that supports both online and offline transactions. As one of the leading global payment gateways within Visa Acceptance Solutions for businesses, Cybersource delivers secure payment processing that covers international card schemes. Through this collaboration, Visa extends a reliable payment solution to small and medium-sized businesses in Sri Lanka, making in-person card payments more efficient and secure via CPC.

This launch in Sri Lanka marks the first implementation of its kind in the Visa South Asia world. The new solution enables businesses to accept EMV chips, contactless, and mobile wallet payments using Android SmartPOS devices. For merchants, this means lower costs, faster onboarding, enhanced security, and access to both local and international customers – helping businesses compete globally and expand their presence across cashless economies.

For acquiring banks, this move delivers cost efficiency, faster go-to-market capabilities, and simplified deployment through Visa’s pre-integrated partner ecosystem. The solution eliminates the need for acquiring banks to build and maintain complex in-house payment infrastructure while ensuring full compliance and reliability.

Avanthi Colombage, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Visa, said, “We are pleased to partner with NDB Bank to bring yet another breakthrough solution by Cybersource, that can accelerate the growth trajectory of the Sri Lankan business community. For SMBs, traditional POS terminals can be expensive, complex, or tied to long-term contracts. This in-person digital payment acceptance solution bridges that gap by streamlining merchant onboarding, improving operational efficiency and reducing infrastructure dependency for acquiring banks. By helping NDB Bank expand from online to in-person acceptance, we are democratizing card acceptance and enabling merchants of all sizes with the tools, technology, and trust they need to thrive in an increasingly cashless economy. This collaboration reflects Visa and NDB Bank’s shared vision of advancing inclusive digital payments in Sri Lanka and building a financial ecosystem that sustains this agenda well into the future.”

Sanjaya Perera – Senior Vice President Personal Banking & Customer Experience at NDB, added, “Our expansion into in-person digital payments acceptance marks an important step in supporting local entrepreneurs and mid-market enterprises. With Visa’s global technology and NDB Bank’s strong local relationships, we are delivering the next generation of payment acceptance that is seamless, secure, and sustainable. This initiative empowers businesses with innovative solutions that simplify transactions, reduce operational costs, and enhance customer experience. Through collaborations like this, we reaffirm our commitment to driving financial inclusion and fostering economic growth for Sri Lanka’s vibrant business community.”

Together Visa and NDB Bank are redefining Sri Lanka’s acquiring landscape by democratizing card acceptance, enhancing merchant agility, and enabling faster, more inclusive access to digital payments across the country.

The post Visa and NDB Bank launch Card Present Connect to transform POS acceptance appeared first on Newswire.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in the Maldives has announced that Maldivian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka for visit or tourism purposes are eligible for a 90-day On-Arrival Visa.

According to a notice issued by the High Commission, Maldivian citizens are not required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their arrival.

This visa exemption is expected to facilitate smoother travel and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. (Newswire)

The post Notice for Maldivians visiting Sri Lanka appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lankan travellers are being reminded to know the rules before entering the United States on a B1/B2 visitor visa. 

Issuing a statement, the US Embassy in Colombo clarified that while the visa allows individuals to conduct business meetings and negotiate contracts, it does not permit actual work. 

The US Embassy further warned that those who engage in unauthorized employment risk deportation and could face a permanent ban from re‑entering the country in the future. (Newswire)

The post US work visas : Key update appeared first on Newswire.

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)

The post Maldivian Envoy criticizes Visa treatment in Sri Lanka, warns of reciprocal action appeared first on Newswire.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday officially launched his “gold card” visa, a new immigration pathway that will allow foreigners to pay $1 million to expedite their visa application, or have companies pay $2 million to sponsor a foreign worker they want to bring into the US.

“Very excitingly, for me and for the country, we’ve just launched the ‘Trump Gold Card,’” the president said at a White House roundtable event.

The visa website, trumpcard.gov, launched Wednesday afternoon and includes a link of the official application, promising “U.S. residency in record time.”

“For a $15,000 DHS processing fee and, after background approval, a contribution of $1 million, receive U.S. residency in record time with the Trump Gold Card,” the official website reads.

How long will the ‘gold card’ process take?

Once the application materials are submitted, the process will take “weeks” and will include an interview, according to the site. Additional fees to the State Department may apply “depending on the applicant.”

“The applicant will need to attend a visa interview and submit any additional documents in a timely manner,” the website says.

The site notes a successful applicant will receive lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder, employment-based visas awarded to individuals who have “extraordinary” or “exceptional” abilities.

Trump admin previews ‘platinum card’

The website also previews that a “Trump Platinum Card” is coming soon and invites foreign nationals to add their names to a waiting list. For $5 million dollars, the administration promises that eligible applicants will be able to “spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income.”

“Foreign nationals can sign up now and secure their places on the waiting list for the Trump Platinum Card. When launched, and upon receipt of a $15,000 DHS processing fee and $5 million contribution, they will have the ability to spend up to 270 days in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxes on non-U.S. income,” the website reads. 

The site does not specify when the platinum option will be available.

Officials criticize traditional immigration process

Trump’s latest immigration crackdown, prompted by the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, has halted or tightened every legal and illegal form of foreign entry to the US in recent weeks, but the president first announced the ‘gold card’ program in February.

Trump said at the time it would offer a citizenship pathway for wealthy foreigners in exchange for a $5 million dollar fee. He later signed an executive order in September directing the pathway’s creation with the same pricing arrangement released Wednesday.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in February the visa would modify the government’s preexisting EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which allows foreign investors to pump money into US projects that create jobs and then apply for visas to immigrate to the US.

“We will modify the EB-5 agreement,” Lutnick said. “(Homeland Security Secretary) Kristi (Noem) and I are working on it together. For $5 million, they’ll get a license from the Department of Commerce. Then they’ll make a proper investment.”

Immigration law experts previously said ending the EB-5 program or significantly changing it would require Congress to act.

Despite persistent questions about how the plan will be implemented, Trump has suggested millions of gold cards could be sold, and Lutnick said in February the plan could raise $1 trillion to pay down the national debt.

Lutnick has previously criticized the traditional green card process that allows immigrants to live and work permanently in the US, arguing it forces the country to take in the “bottom quartile” of immigrants.

“We’re going to only take extraordinary people at the very top,” Lutnick said. (CNN)

The post US Residency for Sale: Trump launches Gold Card visa appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced special visa facilitation measures for all foreign nationals affected by the adverse weather conditions currently prevailing in Sri Lanka.

The department said that foreigners who were scheduled to depart Sri Lanka on or after 28th November, but were unable to do so due to flight cancellations or travel difficulties caused by the weather, will be exempted from visa extension fees and overstay penalties. 

Issuing a statement, the department said this measure is intended to support travelers who experienced unavoidable delays beyond their control.

In addition, short-term Tourist or Business Visa holders and Residence Visa holders will be granted a seven (07) days’ grace period to complete their visa extension formalities.

Extension of short-term Tourist Visa can be done through the Department’s online portal: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/vs/login.php, it added. (Newswire)

The post Special visa facilitation measures for foreign nationals affected by adverse weather appeared first on Newswire.

The issue of Sri Lankans residing in Israel without valid visas was taken up for discussion recently, during the second meeting of the Parliamentary Friendship Association, established in the Israeli Parliament.

During the meeting of the Association, established to strengthen cooperation between Israel and Sri Lanka at the parliamentary level, it was noted that this situation affects not only Sri Lankans but also other foreign nationals. 

According to Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, the matter was referred to the Committee on Foreign Workers of the Israeli Parliament for further consideration, and the Committee is scheduled to take up this issue at its next session.

He further said that, in addition, the meeting also addressed the possibility of providing training opportunities in Israel for officials of the Sri Lankan Parliament.

The discussion was attended by Tsega Melaku, Chairman of the Israel–Sri Lanka Friendship Association, officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Foreign Policy Division of the Israeli Parliament, and Hemantha Ekanayake, Deputy Head of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Israel. (Newswire)

The post Discussions held on Sri Lankans living in Israel without valid visas appeared first on Newswire.

The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) has suspended the issuance of visa recommendations to two Authorised Persons (APs) following the detention and deportation of foreign nationals employed by them.

Issuing a statement, the CPCEC said that the suspension will remain in effect until an ongoing investigation into the incident at the Bandaranaike International Airport is completed. The CPCEC has formally requested both APs to provide detailed written explanations and supporting documents to ensure a transparent inquiry.

The CPCEC further thanked the Department of Immigration and Emigration for its vigilance and reiterated that all regulatory authorities in Sri Lanka retain their powers within the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), as outlined in Section 74 of the CPCEC Act No. 11 of 2021.

The CPCEC urged all authorised entities to exercise due diligence, including thorough background checks before recruitment, to maintain high compliance standards.

Reaffirming its commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, the Commission said it will continue to support legitimate business activities within the SEZ while safeguarding national interests and ensuring the Colombo Port City’s role as a transformative national asset. (Newswire)

The post Port City’s Economic Commission suspends visa support for two firms appeared first on Newswire.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman has criticized the government over its visa-free policy for Israeli nationals, questioning the moral and political basis for this decision.

Addressing the media yesterday, MP Rahman said the government was siding with Israel at a time when the world was condemning the war against Palestine. 

“At a time when many countries were condemning the brutal actions and genocidal campaigns carried out by Israel against the Palestinian people, our Government is siding with Israel,” he said.

The SJB MP further said that the government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has deviated from Sri Lanka’s long-standing history of supporting Palestine.

Pointing out that when in the opposition, the President and his allies vocally stood for Palestinian rights, protesting outside embassies, MP Rahman said, however, now, in government, they have made a complete U-turn in policy. 

SJB MP Mujibur Rahman further raised concerns over the government’s decision to allow a country accused of war crimes to operate freely in Sri Lanka without scrutiny.

Pointing out that the government has allowed Israeli intelligence operations and illegal centres to function freely within Sri Lanka, MP Rahman emphasized that these activities pose a direct threat to Sri Lanka’s national security. (Newswire)

The post MP Mujibur questions Govt over visa-free policy for Israelis appeared first on Newswire.

The Maldivian government has decided to issue free 90-day on-arrival tourist visas to Sri Lankan citizens travelling to the Maldives for tourism purposes.

The decision was announced, coinciding with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s ongoing visit to the Maldives. 

According to the President’s Office, this visa arrangement comes into effect from July 29, 2025. 

To obtain the visa, travellers must possess a valid international travel document and confirm that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in the Maldives.

The Maldivian government states this visa facility is being provided under the provisions of the bilateral visa facilitation agreement between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and per the immigration laws and regulations of the Maldives.

The Maldivian government also emphasized that this move reaffirms the high priority its government places on relations with Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

The post Free 90-Day On-Arrival Visa for Sri Lankans from Maldives appeared first on Newswire.

A group of 155 Indian nationals who had violated their visa conditions by overstaying in Sri Lanka have been arrested by officials from the Department of Immigration and Emigration, it is reported. 

Following their arrest, the Indian nationals were made to pay a sum of Rs. 33,615,000 as settlement of their individual visa fee of US$200 and a fine of US$500 to the Immigration Department.

According to the Immigration Department, this detection is the highest valued in the history of Sri Lanka, earning a revenue income of Rs. 33.5 million from a single detection. 

It is reported that the Indian nationals were found during a raid conducted on a building in Colombo, utilised by a local company to run a back office for an international IT firm involved in online marketing and betting activities.

The group apprehended during the raid, aged between 25-54 years, had arrived in Sri Lanka on resident visas and had overstayed by one month to one year, to continue working for the local company. 

The Indian nationals have been instructed to leave the country immediately after settling the necessary fines due to a lack of space at the Immigration Department’s detention centre in Welisara. (Newswire)

The post 155 Indians working for IT firm caught overstaying visas in Colombo appeared first on Newswire.