Categories: Headlines

Visas issuance: Fees now payable in dollars instead of rupees

The government has approved regularizing and updating of the present method of visa issuance and to collect visa charges in US dollars instead of Sr Lankan rupees.

A proposal made by Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Minister S. B. Navinna in this regard was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Accordingly, it has been decided to recommend visas for investors and employees in BOI zones by the Secretary of the Ministry which the BOI functions.

Other reforms include charging a fine of US$500 in addition to visa charges from foreigners whose visa period has expired, providing residential visa for foreign students covering the whole academic period and issuing residential visa up to 10 years for foreigners who remit more than US$500,000 to Sri Lanka.

“Spouse visa will be issued for foreigners up to five years and for their children who are married with Sri Lankan citizens. Residential visa will be issued for two years to foreigners whose Sri Lankan spouse is dead who has resided continuously for 10 years in Sri Lanka or who have children under 18 years of age, for employment purpose,” the government said.

Meanwhile, a permanent residence visa will be issued to former Sri Lankans who have already obtained the citizenship of another country who cannot apply for dual citizenship.

Lankanewspapers

Recent Posts

LNP – New vehicle shipment to touch down today

As the first shipment of vehicles is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka today since…

10 hours ago

LNP – Cabinet approves E-8 visa jobs for Sri Lankans, exclusively through SLBFE

The Cabinet approved employment opportunities under South Korea’s E-8 visa category, with recruitment exclusively handled…

10 hours ago

LNP – Woman arrested at BIA with 1.2 kgs of kush

A 38-year-old woman was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle…

10 hours ago

LNP – Namal Rajapaksa arrives at CID to record statement over Airbus deal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramina (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department…

10 hours ago

LNP – Showers above 75mm expected in parts of the island

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern,…

10 hours ago

LNP – First batch of imported personal vehicles arrives at Colombo Port after 5-year hiatus

The first batch of vehicles imported for private use arrived at the Colombo Port on…

10 hours ago