Immigration Services Centre launched to assist foreign visitors

Monday, 11 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Immigration Services Centre (ISC) commenced its operations recently in Colombo with the objective of facilitating a comprehensive and efficient immigration service to all visitors to Sri Lanka. With the sudden influx of visitors to Sri Lanka and the country expecting a further increase in the tourism sector, ISC was established to facilitate the growing immigration needs. ISC has been awarded exclusive rights by the Department of Immigration and Emigration to facilitate all immigration related matters such as applications and extensions of Sri Lankan visas under the categories of tourists, business, investor, employment, spouse, expat, religious, student and retirement.

Amongst other services offered by ISC, a ‘Help Desk’ has also been set up to operate as a back office information call centre to assist visitors to the country. The desk will provide information to visitors and will answer any travel related queries in coordination with the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Business-Investor Visa Desk In order to attract foreign investment to the country, a Business-Investor Visa Desk is also available as part of ISC’s efforts to offer one-stop-shop total visa and immigration information and related services to business clients. The General Manager of ISC, Srimantha Senaratne said that this venture will provide a convenient immigration process for visa applicants and for those who wish to extend their visa and will play a vital role in promoting Sri Lanka as a destination which is hassle free in gaining entry for visitors. He also specified that ISC is only a facilitator and the decision to issue or deny a visa is made solely by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, in accordance with Sri Lanka’s immigration and visa policies. “Immigration information and services are generally complex in nature. However, sophisticated international travellers need and expect fast, accurate, immigration and visa information, immigration assistance and advice for a trouble free entry. With this in mind, our key focus is to assist visitors in ensuring they have a pleasant immigration experience. Our process will ensure that a traveller will save time and money through our convenient services we provide,” he said. “ISC will also be a platform that will help the country to generate the much needed foreign investment through our Business-Investor Visa Desk and we believe our streamlined and hassle free process will help a traveller to gain a visa or an extension with ease,” he said. ISC which is conveniently located in the third floor of the Liberty Arcade Building (adjoining Liberty Plaza) R.A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3 is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. For more information related to travel policy in Sri Lanka visit www.immigrationlanka.com.