Astrologers arrested for violating visa regulations

Rasika SOMARATHNA

Four Indian Astrologers, engaged in forecasting predictions for a fee, while on tourist Visa's, have been arrested by Immigration and Emigration Sleuths.

According to Sri Lankan Visa regulations engaging in employment or business while on tourist Visa's, which are issued at the port of entry is banned and is considered a punishable offence.

Immigration and Emigration Department, Investigations Unit Head William Devendra Raja told the Daily News that the latest arrests were made in Wellawatte, after obtaining relevant details from locals regarding the activities of these astrologers.

The arrested astrologers are reported to have plied their trade for some time in the Wellawatte area specializing in palm reading and other forms of astrological predictions.

According to Devendra Raja the arrested are to be deported and blacklisted, preventing their re-entry to Sri Lanka.

In recent times the Immigration and Emigration Department has taken a stringent approach towards such Visa violators and according to Devendra Raja so far this year 54 foreigners who were found to have breached regulations have being deported and black listed.

Also in recent times authorities have taken steps to blacklist all foreigners who violate Visa regulations including ones who overstay their stipulated period without prior approval. Presently the visa-on-arrival facility is afforded to travelers from 84 selected countries including member countries of the European Union, North America and SAARC.

However, this facility at times is abused by some of those who visit Sri Lanka with a majority of them hailing from South and East Asian countries.

On-arrival Visa facility offers eligible travelers a 30-day stay, which could be extended for a period of either 60 or 90 days on the payment of a nominal fee.