Prime Minister assures crackdown on business activities by foreigners on tourist visas

Friday, 10 January 2025 00:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya this week told the House that the Government is concerned about foreign nationals conducting business in the country while on tourist visas, whilst assuring crackdown on such activities.

Responding to a question raised by an Opposition MP on Wednesday, she highlighted that the country’s immigration policies explicitly prohibit engaging in business while on a tourist visa, noting that such activities are illegal and will be met with strict legal measures.

Acknowledging that the Government is aware of instances where tourists from various countries, including Israeli nationals have been conducting business activities in the country, she said there was no system in place to classify arrivals by occupation which makes it challenging to identify individuals involved.

“In 2024, a total of 25,514 Israeli nationals visited Sri Lanka. The Department of Immigration and Emigration’s computer system records their arrivals as Israeli nationals, but it does not classify individuals by occupation, such as armed forces personnel. There is no legal basis for conducting business on a tourist visa in this country. This is a concern we have identified, and discussions are underway to address it. Measures are being implemented to prevent such practices,” she explained.

Dr. Amarasuriya also noted that no Israeli nationals without valid visa have been detained in Police custody since 2020, with one exception currently under investigation. “The Government does not issue visas for investment projects, such as starting businesses or industries, to tourists, including Israelis,” she added.

The Prime Minister assured that the Government is committed to protecting tourists visiting Sri Lanka, whilst also prioritising the national security and economic landscape. “We have a responsibility to protect tourists visiting this country. Regarding the Arugam Bay incident, security measures were implemented in the area based on intelligence reports,” she said.