Opposition raises concerns over visa issuance system, calls for swift action

The main Opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardena yesterday urged the Government to address the ongoing issues with the visa issuance process at the BIA.

The call to action comes after a tourist shared a video footage on social media, highlighting long queues and inefficiencies at the on arrival visa counters.

The video which has since gone viral, showcases the challenges faced by the travellers, including a lack of prior information available online, poorly managed visa counter and inadequate waiting facilities at the airport. The tourist in the footage expressed frustration over the disorganised system which appeared to have caused significant delays and confusion for visitors upon arrival.

Addressing these concerns MP Jayawardena criticised the Government for its failure to implement an effective visa issuance process, stressing the negative impact this has on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

“This situation is a disgrace to our nation,” Jayawardena remarked.

Noting that tourism is a vital contributor to the economy which generates foreign exchange earnings, he said that immediate Government intervention is needed to rectify this issue.

“We charge each tourist $ 50 for visas and yet we cannot provide a seamless and efficient service,” MP Jayawardena stressed. 

 In response, Chief Government Whip and Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told the House that steps are being taken to introduce visa-free entry for citizens of 38 countries, with immediate effect.

He noted that Cabinet approval for this measure was granted on Monday and further discussions were underway to develop a more convenient visa system for arrivals at BIA.

Ranatunga also expressed confidence that these changes would send a positive signal to potential tourists and improve their overall experience.

The current dissatisfaction with the visa processing at Katunayake airport follows the recent implementation of a new system managed by the Consortium comprising GBS Technology Services, IVS Global-FZCO, and VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd. The introduction of this new system sparked controversy, particularly after a local passenger raised concerns over its inefficiencies. 

In addition, the investigations by the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) revealed that the Consortium comprising GBS Technology Services, IVS Global-FZCO, and VF Worldwide Holdings had been selected without an official bidding process, raising questions about the transparency and the competitiveness of the decision. The probe also found that the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) might have missed out on securing more favourable rates due to the lack of a competitive tender.

In response to these findings, three petitions were filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the visa procedure implemented by VFS Global. Considering the legal challenges, the Supreme Court ordered the suspension of the new visa system and directed the reintroduction of the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.

Despite the Court’s directive, the DIE has failed to adhere to the order to date.