20 Lankans deported per week from Malaysia over visa violation: Defence Ministry

4 August 2022 11:20 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

A number of Sri Lankans who have been visiting Malaysia under visit visas with the belief that their visas could be converted to work visas were denied entry by the Malaysian authorities, the Defence Ministry said.

Accordingly, at least 20 Sri Lankans per week are reportedly being deported directly from the airport to Sri Lanka.

The Defence Ministry said that it has been brought to the notice of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force that an increasing number of Sri Lankans are flocking to Malaysia under visit visas with the impression that their visas would be converted to job visas.

Due to such visits in large numbers, Malaysian Immigration Authorities are taking stringent measures to scrutinize visit visa holders.

Many persons who managed to gain entry into Malaysia on visit visas, have later found out that they have been duped by ‘job agents’ and they will be forced to work in harsh inhumane conditions with little wages and no labour rights, and thus become victims of human trafficking.

It was further reported that the amnesty period granted for illegal immigrants to exit from Malaysia ended on June 30, 2022. Malaysian Law Enforcement Agencies are now engaged in continual raids to apprehend foreigners without valid visas.

When apprehended, persons without valid visas will have to serve prison terms and upon being released they will be detained at a designated detention centre until such time arrangements would be made to deport them at their own expense.

Therefore, the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force of Sri Lanka advises the citizens of Sri Lanka that ‘visit visas to Malaysia cannot be converted into job visas upon arrival and urges the Lankans who are seeking employment abroad to do so via legitimate and authentic channels.

The Task Force requests citizens to verify such opportunities received by them with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) prior to proceeding ahead with those.

All prospective migrants are advised to use proper channels and register with the SLBFE before their departure from Sri Lanka. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

Comments - 12

allen selwyn Friday, 05 August 2022 12:27 AM

In 1983 my house was burnt because I was a Tamil. Subsequently I migrated. I wonder how many of those who have lost their jobs, seen their savings lose value, stand in queues for basics, go hungry and watch in horror the general calamity were involved in the destruction and looting of Tamil properties? "Sinhala Only" has not delivered a better future has it? It has only led to bankruptcy. Those who flee to foreign countries for jobs will be turned back or made to work like slaves. A pathetic situation for "Aryan Sinhala Buddhists". Instead of nation building, under the guise of "Aryan Sinhala Buddhism" they destroyed the lovely Ceylon.

Punchi Friday, 05 August 2022 01:55 AM

Malaysian politicians caution each other that the wrong decisions and communal disharmony will invite a fate similar to our blessed but failed dharma paradise. Also they say once Ceylon sent doctors, engineers, teachers, Station masters etc to work in Malaya. Now look at what has happened to Ceylon. My relative in Malaysia is so desperate for a maid, so doesn’t care that the current maid is a Lankan kallathoni

Nandasena R Friday, 05 August 2022 03:29 AM

Look out for a slimy creature called Gotha Rajapakse among these kicked out?

Tharma K Friday, 05 August 2022 09:25 AM

Its sad to See how Srilankans have become the Parahyas of the world. Though I am a Tamil, I feel the pain and suffering of all Srilankans because of our selfish politicians like SWRD, JR, MR, RW etc.

Ceylonese Friday, 05 August 2022 10:04 AM

Those days many highly educated Sri Lankans left the country in search of greener pastures especially to countries like Australia Canada Britain and USA but now many Sri Lankans don't seem to care where they go or what they do and mostly end up doing meniel jobs in a desperate bid to get out of the country because the standards and quality of life has detreriorated to a new low in recent years even prior to the British era over 74 years ago.

Radika Friday, 05 August 2022 10:26 AM

This is just not happenig now. I could remember far back in 1990s had same situation. Immigration in Colombo air port must give strict instructions as Chennai air port to stop suspected travellers. This kind of cheap act only destroy our country reputation. Trust at least these selfish politicians open eyes.

Roisin Friday, 05 August 2022 11:28 AM

To allen selwyn: you perfectly put into words my frustration and sadness too. Thank you for that.

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 05 August 2022 11:56 AM

Looks like Sinhalese patriots are running away like rats including the big first rat Gota.

Mandayan Friday, 05 August 2022 03:21 PM

The President Julius Richard Jayewardene said without any hesitance to London Daily Telegraph that by starving the Jaffna Tamils the Sinhalese would be happy. He didn’t represented the millions of Sinhalese. He also thought by chasing out the Tamils, the nation can be saved for Sinhalese. Now, what he wished on Tamils had unfortunately came on the Sinhalese and the enraged Sinhalese people has now sent his successor GR packing out of country.

vithura Friday, 05 August 2022 05:26 PM

Since when did visa violations come under the purview of Defence ministry?

Gee Friday, 05 August 2022 07:02 PM

This is why Lankan passport is one of the worlds worst, the world doesnt trust Sri Lankan people abroad, rightfully so

Andrew Fernando Friday, 05 August 2022 08:13 PM

There will be a time when Sri Lankans are regularly denied visas, particularly in Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada. Please obey the rules in other countries. You might be able to get away with it in Sri Lanka, but it won't happen elsewhere.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

20 Lankans deported per week from Malaysia over visa violation: Defence Ministry

Comments - 12

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

Proposed wage hike Estate workers appreciated or trapped in election promise?

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lanka to overhaul visa issuance process

Tharshan Selvarajah makes history as first Sri Lankan to carry Olympic torch

Sajith bars Daily Mirror over liquor controversy

Diana under immigration radar for overstaying visa since 2014

A leading hotel in Derby, UK sold to Sri Lankan company

Sri Lankan in Germany wins a Cybertruck

MIRROR CRICKET

'You won’t see me for a while' – Virat Kohli hints at post-retirement plans

West Indies Women to tour Sri Lanka for T20I series

Nepal’s ex-cricket captain acquitted of rape on appeal

Shakib and Hasaranga share top spot in T20 all-rounder rankings

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Government to evoke 2007 circular to take action against non academics on strike

STF officer’s endeavor lit up school children

Sri Lankans in Russian-Ukraine war: Specialized delegation to visit Russia

Duminda’s case against Wijeyadasa’s appointment as SLFP Chairman dismissed

Warm-up fixtures announced for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

Eshan Pieris secures silver class victory at GT World Challenge Asia Round 4 in Thailand

Asian Netball Tourney put off by a few weeks

'You won’t see me for a while' – Virat Kohli hints at post-retirement plans