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Last Updated : 2024-05-19 11:52:00
6 May 2024 05:01 pm - 79 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Colombo, May 6 (Daily Mirror) - Despite widespread accusations of handing over the contract for on-arrival visa issuance to VFS Global, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles maintained today that VFS Global, the foreign company now responsible for handling on-arrival visas on behalf of Sri Lanka at the BIA, will continue to operate for at least 12 years.
Minister Alles held a special press conference regarding the controversy surrounding the matter. He said that the proposal to transfer the new visa system to VFS Global was unanimously passed on November 23 last year without debate in Parliament following Cabinet approval.
"The government had made a policy decision to introduce separate visa categories. Sri Lanka previously only had a 30-day single arrival visa category. Therefore, we introduced several other visa categories," the minister said.
He said that the 30-day visa was fixed at USD 50, however, when passing the said rate, the document was not included, and thus it was not added to the system.
However, the Minister said that the USD 50 rate for a 30-day visa will be implemented from Tuesday (7).
The single-entry 30-day visa is fixed at a price of USD 50, and the double-entry six-month visa is priced at USD 75.
He also noted that the issue of visa fees was part of the adopted proposals, passed in November, but implementation through the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) was not feasible. Therefore, they had to wait until April 17 to implement the change through the VFS system.
The minister said that due to the errors in the ETA system, this system was changed to upgrade the Immigration and Emigration processes. Accordingly, an agreement was signed with VFS Global for 12 years, he said.
Responding to the incident on Wednesday night (01) where chaos broke out at the BIA following the takeover of on-arrival visa issuance, the minister blamed certain 'corrupt officials' within the Immigration department were responsible for the incident.
The minister said that although the protest regarding this matter was raised on or around May 1st, the VFS started its operations at the airport premises on April 17.
He said that action would be taken against the person who caused a disturbance at the visa issuing section at the Katunayake Airport.
The minister said that steps will also be taken against the officers who recorded the incident.
On the day of the incident, it was alleged that Indians were manning the visa counters at the BIA. However, Minister Alles clarified that VFS Global is not an Indian company, and on that day, the counters were manned by 13 Sri Lankans and that no Indians were present.
"VFS cannot issue or reject VISAs. They can only check the documentation. When the documentation is uploaded, the Immigration and Emigration authorities, using the backend, give their approval," the minister explained.
Responding to allegations regarding why visa issuance was not entrusted to local companies, the minister said, "the cabinet had approved a change in the visa issuance system for two companies over four years. However, during this time they failed to implement it."
Regarding allegations of not calling tenders, the minister said, "we didn't need to call for tenders for this process. VFS sent us a proposal, which we studied and submitted to the cabinet. I don't believe any company could compete against a company like VFS Global."
Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi
ARIF MEAH NAZIR ALI KHAN Monday, 06 May 2024 06:15 PM
Before 1 month visa in online 20 uss ,in airport 25 uss , now 50 uss
Iwazaru Monday, 06 May 2024 06:20 PM
What a sad state Sri Lanka has sunk to. It can even issue a visa to visit Sri Lanka on its own. Taking of IT.
Jagath Monday, 06 May 2024 06:21 PM
If we want to save SriLanka from tyrants kick these scum out,
Thirai Siva Monday, 06 May 2024 08:59 PM
Very true, the guy act as he owns Srilanka. I wonder who elected him or was he another back door stooge who thinks the Srilankans have to treat him as God.
saman Monday, 06 May 2024 06:39 PM
Regarding allegations of not calling tenders, the minister said, "we didn't need to call for tenders for this process. VFS sent us a proposal, which we studied and submitted to the cabinet. I don't believe any company could compete against a company like VFS Global." 1. You studied it by yourself at home. 2. Why not, do it the way it was done in the past by our Sri Lankan officials at a lower cost. 3. Why India every time. 4. This is not your mothers dowery to decide on your own.
Roberta Flack Monday, 06 May 2024 06:39 PM
What’s the deal Mr. Alles?
Bryn karu Monday, 06 May 2024 06:41 PM
There should be an investigation to find out what kind of corruption attached to this Visa drama.
Citizen Silva Monday, 06 May 2024 06:42 PM
That will end when the NPP comes into power in October
Dan th Man Tuesday, 07 May 2024 05:00 AM
And pay another $100 million to VFS as the penalty for premature termination of the 12 year contract
Mahila Tuesday, 07 May 2024 05:51 AM
THE GLORIOUS DREAM OF FELLOW EMANCIPATED!? THE ETERNAL FLAME OF ABSOLUTE GLORY AND HIT THE APEX OF EARTHLY LIVING!!?? DREAMS, EVEN IN DAYTIME, CONTRIBUTES TO ONE'S HEALTH AND THEREFORE ADORED!!!??? Nothing is LOST!!!???
Chase Ranil out asap Monday, 06 May 2024 06:43 PM
Ranil's Indianization one by one. When is the election ,we want to see the back of this b----!
Lilavati Tuesday, 07 May 2024 08:02 AM
Agree, Ranil is selling outSri Lanka piece by piece. Now finally India got what they have trying to do thousands of years - Sri Lanka in now suburb for India. Ranil and his henchemens out now.
Mallinga Monday, 06 May 2024 06:43 PM
This is our country, we want to protect it from Indians having access to our own . Who are you to talk on behalf of all Sri Lankans ? You are a traitor , get out of politics, people like you should be behind bars .
Neo Tuesday, 07 May 2024 04:54 PM
If this is our country then why are a sizeable of our people living outside? We need to prove by actions, not words.
Mahendra Fernando Monday, 06 May 2024 06:44 PM
Double entry? It's multiple entry
Christo255 Monday, 06 May 2024 06:45 PM
Let's wait till October. The VFS agent in SL will have to answer
Banda Monday, 06 May 2024 06:48 PM
We have no issue with VFS. The only issues here are not educating the public and increased fees. It doesn't matter who is going to pay for it, but it will definitely affect the tourism and arrival flow of visitors. Tiran Alles and his team can mislead the cabinet, but not the general public. As he says, technological enhancement is as far as they are going to transfer to the local body. I am wondering: who has done a feasibility study about this before they got approval? Now VFS is here. Ask them to reduce the fees according to the local economy and recruit locals to operate the system. I am quite sure the president has taken the necessary steps to protect data from other interested parties.
Yohan Monday, 06 May 2024 07:00 PM
Why do we need a foreign company to handle on arrival visa as the foreign is already in SL. This is a scam and he may be getting a huge cut. This should be stopped. It is upto opposition parties to take this scammer to court.
fact Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:50 AM
because of efficiency ,customer service and reputation .can our Sri Lankan officers do it ? we have seen over a decade how things were handled in the airport .our people are quick to judge anything i wish entire aiport handling and management transffered to foriegn company to improve the efficency , quality of service and customer care .
jude Monday, 06 May 2024 07:07 PM
Who writes these kinds of agreements that Government cant get out? Doesn't our AG department review these before signing? Government contracts usually go in 1 year increments. If the service is satisfactory, government exercises the next year and almost always Government reserves the right to unilaterally cancel the contract for any reason at any point during the contract period.
K H Dobro Monday, 06 May 2024 07:08 PM
Der Minister glaubt, dass es kein anderes Unternehmen mithalten kann. Er weiß es aber nicht und hat es nicht überprüft.
Sarath Samaranayake Monday, 06 May 2024 07:16 PM
This man is trying to sell Sri Lanka to India. He is a mean and currupt politicians who once gave money and assisted LTTE terrorists to fight against Sri lankan soldiers.
G G Monday, 06 May 2024 07:18 PM
He is talking like a gangster, we like to see you in Jaffna.
Sunil Monday, 06 May 2024 07:18 PM
Their fate will decide by next Govt Tiran. Nothing permenent in this world remember!!!!
Real lankans Monday, 06 May 2024 07:21 PM
This man is forgot his role in the government, he is not a man to decide what’s going to happen next few months in this country, election a coming , Tirana has no place to go, VFS will have to place up bags sooner than expected!
pantha Monday, 06 May 2024 07:23 PM
When you award tenders priority should be given to local bidders. Yes, we all know that VFS is a company used by embassies all over the world. But there are numerous complaint about them as well. VFS only agenda is to make money for their investers.
MOST IN POLITICS FOR DECADES HAVE BEEN FEATHERING THEIR NESTS AND DIDN'T/DON'T GIVE A RATS TAIL FOR THE PEOPLE. KICK THE SCUMBAGS OUT OF POLITICS. Monday, 06 May 2024 11:19 PM
TIRNA MENTIONED ABOVE NO TENDERS WERE CALLED VFS SENT IN A PROPOSAL AND THEY STUDIED IT!!! HOW DID VSF KNOW YOU WERE LOOKING TO OUTSOURCE VISA PROCESSING AT BIA???. THIS SCUMBAG THINK PEOPLE ARE STUPID, EVEN THE STUPID HAVE ACTIVATED THEIR GOD GIVEN BRAINS AND KNOW HOW THIS LOT OF POLITICIANS INCLUDING OUR DOOR MAT PRESIDENT OPERATES. WAIT UNTIL THE ELECTION RESULTS COME OUT, THE SCUMBAGS/CORRUPT POLITICIANS WILL ALL BE HOUNDED OUT OF GOVERNMENT. AND BROUGHT BEFORE A COURT OF LAW. ALL THE FEATHERS IN THEIR NESTS/FAMILIES/ OR STOOGES WILL BE GONE WITH THE WIND AND JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED AND YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT.
Tissa Fernando Monday, 06 May 2024 07:33 PM
He says in high confidence that even a NPP government would not be able to remove them. That jeans they sold it on a one sided terms and conditions. Someone is making big money here. After this fiasco, I decided that I will vote for NPP along with my family members. Enough is enough with thus bunch of thieves.
Nimal Monday, 06 May 2024 07:41 PM
Chase these guys and the sordid minister out ASAP.
panamaalles Monday, 06 May 2024 07:44 PM
Minister with his name on the Panama Papers. We know where the 25 USD Extra going to. To Panama. Nothing could be expected from RW's rogue regime. Shame to your late great father and the school of our fathers.
Nihal Amarasekera Monday, 06 May 2024 07:48 PM
Stubborn attitude one too many it seems. Fall will be heavy
Galbada Monday, 06 May 2024 07:48 PM
No SJB, NPP or whoever the morons in the parliament look like will not stop this loon, as they are also responsible for placing their signature in favour of this shameless appointment of a foreign company to take lucrative income, that should have come to the coffers of this country.
Mila Monday, 06 May 2024 07:50 PM
People must stand up against this. We do not want indian people to do our visa. This is crazy. We want the old way and not this. I also not want to come to Sri Lanka because of this Indian visa. Its too much money and stress. Stop this!
Dee Monday, 06 May 2024 09:28 PM
Wake Up!
Athk69 Monday, 06 May 2024 07:53 PM
What a stupid response. If VFS only handles uploading of documents, why can't the applicants upload their own documents into a secure Web form, from their country of residence, and before arriving?
Citizen Monday, 06 May 2024 07:59 PM
VFS global is a very efficient company. It'll be very sad if they withdraw! Cannot understand why the security minister is involved in visa matters!!! As always everyone trying to do someone else's job?
A concerned citizen Tuesday, 07 May 2024 10:16 AM
VSF is yet another tech and services company who happened to have the right connections with the home and tourism ministers . This deal works out at close to USD 40m per annum for an evisa system and tourism management system....what utter nonsense....a host of Sri lankan companies could have easily done this job ...its not rocket science ...all these proposals were thrown in the bin by these 2 crooks. No tender, no evaluation nobody cares to keep it Sri Lankan...corruption here is so endemic that we as citizens are just supposed to dismiss it as a fact of life now !! VFS is a company that pays for securing business and in this case they did a very good and efficient job. How pathetic does Sri lanka have to get ...
Potta Harry Monday, 06 May 2024 08:12 PM
RW doesn't have any control over this chap. A spokesman from RW office said earlier contract was awarded after going through a tender process. According to this man no such tender process.
PEOPLES POWER NEED TO GO HOUSE TO HOUSE AROUND THE COUNTRY IN TWO'S AND EDUCATE HOUSEHOLDERS ESPECIALLY IN THE VILLAGES AND REMOTE VILLAGES, OR WE WILL BE IN SQUARE ONE FOR DECADES TO COME. Monday, 06 May 2024 11:38 PM
CORRECT, THESE SCUMBAGS HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THEIR BRAINS/MOUTHS AND KEEP SPITTING OUT STATEMENTS WHILE THEIR BRAINS HAVE GONE INTO FREEZE MODE!!!
Johan Monday, 06 May 2024 08:14 PM
Pure arrogance. They haven't learnt lessons from people uprising
Samyrajah Selvarajah Monday, 06 May 2024 08:17 PM
Based on facts, it is hard to believe our Minister in the Govt. Re-consider the offer made by our local agents, without great commissions, I guess. Need more honest investigations. God, bless this country which is on the wrong roads.
Jeewa Monday, 06 May 2024 08:23 PM
This bandit is not the sharpest tool in the box. Now we know who got the kickback for election funding. Our tourism industry will be destroyed.
Shera Monday, 06 May 2024 08:32 PM
There needs to be a solid system for government contracts. It must be published in all the newspapers for the public to know ahead of time. Companies must bid with their proposals. For transparency and integrity no single minister should have the power to grant a local or foreign entity access to sensitive data like personal information and passport details. Many approvals are sneakily passed in parliament and this does has further damaged public trust. The government has forgotten who they work for and who put them in positions of power.
Mori Monday, 06 May 2024 08:38 PM
It's time to send this regime home...
A Monday, 06 May 2024 08:40 PM
He is embedded now ...commission no more.
ANNECUNT Monday, 06 May 2024 08:52 PM
SO HE WANTS TO GET COMMISSION FOR 12 YEARS THEN HE GOING TO DO A BETTER JOB THAN MR TO RUIN THE COUNTRY
DJ Monday, 06 May 2024 08:53 PM
What a disgrace.
STOMY DANNIELS Monday, 06 May 2024 09:13 PM
when MR robbed the country and got MARRIOT HOTEL in DUBAI you did not shout like this why now?
BALUBAI Monday, 06 May 2024 09:14 PM
I am not coming to sri-lanka again
Harry G Monday, 06 May 2024 09:34 PM
Forget VFS been here for 12 years, you guys won't be seen after October 2024.
Rip Winkle Monday, 06 May 2024 10:08 PM
High hopes. Just wait until the elections.
Jeanne Tuesday, 07 May 2024 04:00 AM
@Rip : It's not the government. It looks like some sordid deal has been done to keep these scum in these positions - for now. Any bet that he will be gone when Ranil is re-elected. These are the support crew for the big day!!! Our fox has his cards beautifully lined up, don't you worry!
Shelliah Monday, 06 May 2024 11:50 PM
please go home all of you need rest because you guys worked hard to build this country or spoil it. we need change and all the politicla old parties no matter Singala,Tamil,Muslim all corrupt. we need new political system in our country with new party.
Kamal Tuesday, 07 May 2024 12:09 AM
This guy is a mega thief This visa company has been found in many countries to have leaked personal information to third parties and got blacklisted..Mobitel has upgraded the system for 1 USd per person.Alkes and his crony Gcont tbiv s arwlootingvus in every possible way once again before their term ends . This is notAlles private property for him to give tenders without competitive bidding , someone must go to the supreme Court .
Gabriella Tuesday, 07 May 2024 12:43 AM
VFS may be here for 12 yrs, but you (ALLES) won’t be. If the NPP keep its promises, you will be doing 12 yrs for tax evasion.
Jude Tuesday, 07 May 2024 01:26 AM
But you're not gonna last after October
FredSnR Tuesday, 07 May 2024 03:28 AM
What is needed is a review of the whole parliamentary system of governance as it is observed today in SL. No democracy which is rule by the people. It is rule by 225 what they say goes.Very soon even the election process could be controlled by a foreign body using technology which will be thrust on the people from above or is this thinking too far ahead
Jeanne Tuesday, 07 May 2024 03:58 AM
Arrogant swine. Another remnant and painful reminder of the thieving, corrupt Rajapakse regime. When will these vermin be eradicated from power?
Ram Tuesday, 07 May 2024 04:15 AM
After 12 years Tiran is likely to have bulging pockets
Calistus Jayasena Tuesday, 07 May 2024 04:49 AM
Pin President Pin PM and the Pakshe cat's paw have only couple more months.
Gp Tuesday, 07 May 2024 05:29 AM
When this was put in Parliament for approval.... why didn't the SJB or NPP or anyone in Parliament object about this... they endose it and now all of them are responsible for it.......
UAli Tuesday, 07 May 2024 06:59 AM
This agreement is very suspicious,I heard they will fix NOT more than 50 cameras,country binded to this agreement for 12 years, what right UAlithis crook businessman minister has only less than 6 months to be in office, what I can remember similar one is another crook Cabraal’s hedging deal,
Sambo Tuesday, 07 May 2024 08:10 AM
No they have to leave with immediate effect. You cannot make such decisions and in three months you will be retired at home for good.
Sam Tuesday, 07 May 2024 08:42 AM
Your arrogance just changed my mind how I should vote this time around. You go home or live abroad.
L.P. Mendis Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:27 AM
Minister is acting like a Dictator these days; it is not good for him anyway. He must keep quiet as the facts were already revealed to the public. We don't want Panni Talks man.
A.M.M. Mohamed Ameer (Industrialist) Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:29 AM
VFS belongs to India, why are you trying to cover Mr. Minister. You are a dam liar.
Umar Perera Tuesday, 07 May 2024 10:09 AM
Banana republic. What does the country gain from outsourcing?
BABA Tuesday, 07 May 2024 11:01 AM
VFS cannot issue or reject VISAs. They can only check the documentation. When the documentation is uploaded, the Immigration and Emigration authorities, using the backend, give their approval," the minister explained @#$@$%#%$#%#%#@34433#$@%##
Nimal EDIRISINGHE Tuesday, 07 May 2024 11:11 AM
Sri Lanka has skilled staff to handle tourist visa in the country. Issuing visa is directly related to country's sovereignty and should not get overseas companies involved. Other countries use third world companies since they are cheap. Sri Lanka won't get any advantage as we have cheap labour too. Should not give many economic activities to India as they will dominate Sri Lankan affairs which is not good for any country.
Dài williams Tuesday, 07 May 2024 12:06 PM
I just renewed my passport through VFS in Saigon, what a shambles they are
ANNECUNT Tuesday, 07 May 2024 12:53 PM
ARE YOU A CORRUPT POLITICIAN?
Jabilo Tuesday, 07 May 2024 01:50 PM
Actually wonder what Tiran wants first, Presidential or Parliamentary election. Which one will grace him with 12 more years?
Sinath Sithpalan Tuesday, 07 May 2024 06:02 PM
These are attitudes of Gonas! All politicians since 1948 must be jailed - if dead, bodies must be jailed!!
mistaken identity Tuesday, 07 May 2024 06:29 PM
This is a mistaken identity. VFS Global is a Singaporean company and not Indian. The staff seen working though looked of Indian origin were actually part of this great country called Singapore which we always admire and rave about. If we can change our attitude towards our minority communities sooner than later we also can be like Singapore.
V Fernando Tuesday, 07 May 2024 06:59 PM
Just to collect and handover documents to the backend Sri Lankan Immigration/Emigration Officer, you pay $25 to a corrupted Indian Company registered its branch in Dubai, just to hide its Indian Identity. This is a short term strategy to destroy Sri Lankan Tourism which has affected Indian Tourism, but to show to the world that Sri Lankan Tourism is managed by Professional Indian who just can only collect documents and give it to SL Immigration Officers, which can be done for $0.10 by Sri Lankan Grade-6 Students/Dropouts !!!
Rishan Tuesday, 07 May 2024 11:08 PM
Many educated graduates have lost their job over the last 2-3 years due to poor turn over . Some have left the country and the rest still looking for Job opportunities. Can't we setup a.company in Sri lanka and recruit those capable people for this taks. As you said that day in the airport itself there were Sri Lankans working for VFS global. If it is a Sri lankan company , the revenue will stay within Sri Lanka....also can do for a much better price as well..... over to you minister to think about it...
GIA LANKA Tuesday, 07 May 2024 11:51 PM
WHEN JVP / NPP COME TO POWER THIS YEAR AS ANURA PRESIDENT OF THE SHITHOLE BANANA REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKAT, VHS WILL BE KICKED OUT OF LANKA IN 12 MINUTES ( NOT CARRY BALLA TIRAN ALLES 12 YEARS. TIRANE ALLES MADE $ MILLIONS IN PAGAR FROM VHS INDIAN BOSS
PROFESSOR FROLEY Wednesday, 08 May 2024 08:27 PM
SRI-LANKA WILL BE CLASSED AS A CORRUPT COUNTRY. IT IS ENTIRELLY ILLEGAL TO GIVE IT TO VFS GLOBAL FOR VISA HANDELING
Laxapana guide. Friday, 10 May 2024 01:16 PM
Foreigners including Sri Lankans can get a 10 Year visa to Canada for Can $185!! Multiple entries stay for 6 months each time. I as a Canadian have to pay USD $50 plus charges for 1 month to visit SL? Month think so, I'll spend my money somewhere else, Ayubowan!
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