Colombo: Sri Lanka canceled the process of extending the visa period for the citizens of both countries after the start of war between Ukraine and Russia. The extension of the visa period of citizens from Russia and Ukraine was a wake-up call for the country’s tourism sector, which is suffering from severe economic crisis. However, Sri Lanka’s action comes after incidents of foreigners seeking asylum in the country starting small businesses including in the southern region of Sri Lanka and local people not being admitted to such establishments.
Sri Lanka has explained that those whose visas have expired must leave the country within two weeks. The decision has been effective since February 23. International media reports that Sri Lanka took strict action after long-term residents of Ukraine and Russia opened restaurants and net clubs, providing jobs to foreign nationals and bypassing the local financial system. There are also indications that some Russian nationals have also started illegal businesses. Such establishments were raided in connection with the Immigration Department. But the Sri Lankan President has issued a show-cause notice for issuing a decision to foreigners to leave the country without Cabinet approval.
Reports indicate that the Sri Lankan government is not currently considering applications for visa extension. The on-arrival visa was extended up to six months in order to recover from the severe economic crisis in 2022. Thousands of Russian and Ukrainian citizens live in Sri Lanka following the Ukraine-Russia war that began in February 2022. According to official figures, 300,000 Russians and 20,000 Ukrainians arrived in Sri Lanka after the war.
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Last Updated Feb 28, 2024, 11:24 AM IST
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2024-02-28 05:54:15
