Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2019-02-26

Amendments to the Immigrants and Emigrants Regulations

- The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval previously to amend the Immigrants and Emigrants Regulations in order to amend the existing visa categories and the fees charged, relating to the existing procedure of issuing visas by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. These amendments will enable to introduce a visa system which will induce the investors and to introduce a single fee scheme instead of the diverse schemes prevalent in various countries for tourist visas. It is also proposed to introduce a penalty fee of US$ 500 for those who over stay in the country without visas. In addition, it is also anticipated to extend the duration of tourist visas and to issue multiple entry facilities pertaining to the Visas issued for commercial activities . Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Wajira Abeywardena, the Minister of Internal & Home Affairs and Provincial Councils & Local Government to publish the amended draft regulations of 1956 relevant to the Immigrants and Emigrants Act, No.20 of 1948 in the Government Gazette and subsequently, to present same in Parliament for approval, was approved by the Cabinet.