Rise in visa overstayers

Rasika SOMARATHNA

* Nearly 250 deported during last five months

* Tourist visas abused

Authorities deported nearly 250 foreigners found to have violated Sri Lankan visa regulations during the last five months. They include 137 Indians, the largest by any country and 38 Pakistanis. There were also 17 Thai nationals, Emigration and Immigration Department’s Investigation Unit head Amitha Perera said. “Those deported include overstayers as well as those found to have misused their visas and engaged in unlawful activities,” he said.

A senior official of the Department told the Daily News recently there may be over 20,000 visa overstayers in the country.

Asked to comment, Perera said he could not give an exact figure, but added his Department had recently taken measures to identify overstayers and visa law breakers. According to authorities, the majority of illegal immigrants on Sri Lankan soil are from South Asian and East Asian countries.

Some are allegedly involved in illegal activities including drug trafficking, human smuggling, prostitution etc.

Some others have been found to be engaged in employment or business activities after arriving in the country on tourist visas. Authorities have found foreigners working in hotels, jewellery shops, construction sites, factories, street stalls etc while on visit visas.

Engaging in employment or business activities without prior approval while on tourist visas is banned for foreigners, according to the Sri Lankan law.

In 2011, 366 foreigners were expelled from the country for violating local visa laws. In 2010 and 2009, over 300 were deported.

The Investigation Unit arrested over 400 foreigners for overstaying and illegal businesses and employment in 2006, while in 2007 and 2008 more than 400 illegal immigrants were arrested and deported after investigations.

The Department has taken steps to develop a comprehensive data base to identify visa overstayers .