FCA unaware of visa time limits to foreign journalists

20 April 2014 11:35 am - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Foreign Correspondents Association (FCA) today said that it was unaware of any time limits on visas issued to foreign journalists posted to Sri Lanka.

The FCA said this after reports that BBC Correspondent in Colombo Charles Haviland has been refused a one-year visa extension.

The full statement issued by the FCA:

The FCA is unaware of any time limits on visas issued to foreign journalists posted to Sri Lanka. However, we have noted remarks by the authorities that the Media Ministry will articulate in the coming week their policy on visas for foreign correspondents, and we look forward to seeing it. In the meantime, the policy adopted by Sri Lankan authorities is available on the External Affairs Ministry website (http://www.mea.gov.lk/index.php/en/media/guidlines-for-foreign-media), but it makes no reference to how long a foreign journalist can work in Sri Lanka.

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Comments - 7

Journo Travails Sunday, 20 April 2014 12:30 PM

FYI, India grants only 3 months Visa for any SL journalist with No Permission to visit restricted areas.

Neil Sunday, 20 April 2014 12:46 PM

GoSL must follow reciprocity strictly. Once a friend of mine was asked to change his journalist profession in passport to something else if he wanted to stay with his spouse who is and Indian.

Gobbaya Sunday, 20 April 2014 07:13 PM

This is a clear example of how what one ministry/department is not aware of what another does. There is no coordination or liaison. No wonder we are the laughing stock of all. via DM iPad app

MrKasthuri Monday, 21 April 2014 08:35 AM

What do they think, that they can come and stay here as a foreign journalist forever ????.

Malij Monday, 21 April 2014 09:28 AM

Thoththa babala.

lalith Monday, 21 April 2014 10:51 AM

Visa issued by any country has an expiry date. It is a known fact. It is no wonder that this foreign (journalists) fools did not know it. Just like our idiots.

Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 21 April 2014 11:29 AM

That proves we do not have any rule of law. Rules are made ad hoc to suit the situation especially if one does not like the face of the person.

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FCA unaware of visa time limits to foreign journalists

Comments - 7

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