Visa problem: the immigration service provides clarification

The Ministry of Immigration and Emigration says a new methodology has been introduced in the online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program as the existing system is not updated in a timely manner and does not meet the ministry’s technical requirements.

In a statement, the department clarified that the program to allow foreigners to visit Sri Lanka (ETA), which started in 2012, only obtained text information from the travelers.

As it did not meet the technical requirements of the Department, fifteen new visa schemes were therefore introduced in the Gazette dated 27 November 2023 and subsequently two more short-term visa schemes were introduced with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Immigration Department further said that with the introduction of the new visa regulations, it was essential to obtain a large number of documents online and verify their accuracy for the responsibility of the Department of National Security.

As such, fulfilling this requirement without being a burden on the government and obtaining a proven technology at an international level became the department’s priority.

On the selection of VFS Global as a service provider, the Immigration Department said the company was selected based on several criteria, especially its long-standing experience in using online methodology to send relevant documents for visa approval.

Quality control of the information submitted by the applicant, the company’s services in 5 languages, experience of service operations in 151 countries, the charging of a low fee from Sri Lanka compared to 66 other countries, and the investment of US$200 million for the implementation of this visa program were among other reasons for selecting VFS Global as a service provider.

The Immigration Department further clarified that the department approves, issues and rejects visas under the powers conferred under the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No. 20 of 1948.

Full statement: