Lax visa enforcement sparks illegal foreign businesses, unlawful activities in SL

The poor enforcement of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act has led to foreign nationals from countries such as Israel, India and Russia engaging in employment activities and business operations in blatant violation of the law, the Daily Mirror learns.

The Sri Lanka tourism authorities have now planned to extend free visa entry into the country for nationals from 40 different countries, in addition to a few other countries to which the facility has already been extended to.

Sri Lanka eyes three million tourist arrivals as part of its plan to increase its foreign exchange revenue from the industry to $ 5 billion in the future.

However, the development of industry is associated with its own downsides, such as tourists involved in business activities such as running guest houses, working as taxi drivers, and offering tour guide services for their fellow nationals in their own languages.

Notable among them are Israeli nationals running such business centres in Arugam Bay in the Eastern Province, a place famous among tourists as a surfing spot. In Israeli-run business centres, signboards have been put up in the Hebrew language for the benefit of Israeli nationals. A Chabad House which is a Jewish community centre, is also found in the area.

Recently, a video showing a foreign national critical of Israelis’ involvement in unlawful activities went viral on social media.

Asked for a comment in this regard, a Ministry official said that there is nothing the tourism authorities can do in the prevention of such activities. The immigration authorities should implement the law properly in granting visas and checking them, according to him.

In Colombo, he said foreigners work in spas after arriving here as tourists only. In another instance, tourists from India have been found to be working in the agriculture and construction sectors in Sri Lanka.

According to the office, these foreigners, involved in running business centres, do so in cohort with their local partners who come forward posing as the lawful owners in case of a raid by the police or the immigration authorities.

“Then, it confuses the law enforcement authorities,” he said.