Immigration Crisis at Airport as Visa Services Suspended

News Today: Sri Lankan Immigration Department Faces Crisis Amid Visa Suspension

The Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration is grappling with a severe crisis at the airport, primarily due to the lack of proper facilities. This issue has escalated following the Supreme Court’s ruling to suspend operations conducted by VFS Global, a key service provider for online visa applications.

The suspension has left the department without access to the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, causing significant delays in verifying visa applications that were submitted before the suspension. An official from the department stated that online visa checks upon passenger arrivals have not yet returned to normal, creating challenges for both the department and incoming travelers.

In some cases, on-arrival visas are unavailable for nationals of countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Ghana, Nigeria, Pakistan, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, North Korea, and Myanmar. This has further complicated the situation, as these travelers are unable to enter the country without the necessary visa approvals.

The crisis is compounded by the fact that many foreign tourists had already paid for their visas through VFS Global. With the suspension of on-arrival visa issuance, these passengers are left stranded at the airport, unable to proceed with their travel plans.

The department’s official website has issued a notice regarding the suspension of the visa issuance system, effective August 2nd, 2024. Applicants whose visa applications were in process or submitted after this date will receive a refund, and they are encouraged to share their application reference numbers for further assistance.

This situation underscores the need for a swift resolution to restore normal operations and ensure a smooth process for international travelers entering Sri Lanka.