Sri Lanka’s highly anticipated move to grant free on-arrival visas to tourists from 38 countries, including India, faces an unexpected delay. The new visa policy, which was initially expected to be implemented immediately after approval from the Cabinet, will now require parliamentary endorsement, postponing its commencement until October. Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles made the announcement on Monday, clarifying that the policy change is contingent on legislative approval before it can be put into action.
Visa Policy Delayed Due to Parliamentary Approval
The delay stems from the necessity of parliamentary approval to enact the change, as indicated by Minister Tiran Alles. “A new gazette to implement the change requires parliamentary approval,” he said during the announcement. Despite the Cabinet’s approval last week, the process to formally begin issuing free on-arrival visas is hindered by procedural requirements.
Harin Fernando, the presidential advisor on tourism, had previously suggested that the scheme could be enacted immediately after receiving Cabinet approval. However, Alles’ statement has now clarified the procedural steps that need to be taken before the new visa policy can become a reality. Additionally, with the Parliament not scheduled to convene until after the September 21 presidential election, any movement on the policy is unlikely to happen before the election period ends, pushing its likely implementation to October.
The island nation’s tourism sector, which has long been a major contributor to the economy, has expressed growing frustration over delays in visa processing that deter tourists from choosing Sri Lanka as a holiday destination. Industry representatives are calling for a swifter implementation of the new policy to make travel easier and more attractive for visitors.
Tourism Industry Faces Long Delays, Frustration Grows
Tourism officials have raised concerns about the current visa process, citing the negative impact of long delays on the industry. In April, the Sri Lankan government outsourced the issuance of on-arrival visas to a foreign company, hoping to streamline the process. However, the move has proven counterproductive, leading to significant delays at immigration, particularly at Colombo International Airport.
Travellers arriving in Sri Lanka have reportedly been forced to spend hours at the airport before being granted entry, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. The extended wait times have sparked calls from tourism industry professionals to return to the pre-April system, where visa processing was handled more efficiently.
In response to these complaints, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ordered the Department of Immigration to suspend the private company’s involvement in visa issuance and take over the service itself. However, Minister Alles explained that restoring the previous system would take time to implement fully. Despite the setbacks, Alles emphasized that the government had taken steps to address the current challenges. “The number of counters at the airport has been increased to cut down the delay,” he said, signaling that efforts were underway to improve the situation, even if the complete return to the former system is not immediate.
Pressure on Government to Streamline Visa Process
The tourism industry has been vocal in its demands for immediate reforms, urging the government to act quickly in addressing the visa processing delays. Industry representatives argue that the delays have led to a reduction in tourist arrivals, especially as competitors in the region offer smoother and quicker visa procedures.
Many within the tourism sector believe that the new visa policy, once implemented, will significantly boost Sri Lanka’s appeal as a travel destination. The introduction of free on-arrival visas for 38 countries is expected to encourage a surge in tourism, particularly from countries like India, which has long been one of the largest sources of visitors to the island.
The visa reform is part of a broader strategy by the government to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector, which has been severely affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic challenges. The delay, however, has left many in the industry anxious about missing out on potential business during a critical period for recovery.
Despite the frustrations expressed by the tourism industry, Minister Alles has urged patience, stating that the government is working diligently to resolve the issues. The anticipated October rollout of the free on-arrival visa scheme offers hope that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector can soon regain its momentum, but the industry remains on edge, awaiting concrete action from the government.
As the parliamentary process unfolds, all eyes are on the Sri Lankan government to ensure that the new visa system will not only ease the entry process for tourists but also restore confidence in the country’s ability to manage its immigration protocols efficiently.
In the coming months, the outcome of the visa policy reform will be closely monitored by both tourism officials and prospective visitors alike, as the island nation seeks to reclaim its status as a top travel destination in South Asia. The swift implementation of the new visa policy could be the turning point the tourism sector desperately needs to drive its revival and propel Sri Lanka forward in the global tourism landscape.
