Gazette to include single-entry visa fees next week: Harin

3 May 2024 11:55 pm - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, May 03 (Daily Mirror) Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando attempted to play down the controversy surrounding the high visa charges incurred by tourists arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport earlier this week, adding that a fresh gazette with revised fees will be issued next week.

The controversy stemmed from a video that circulated on social media earlier this week, where it alleged that an additional cost was being charged by a private service provider, VFS Global, to whom the issuing of on-arrival visas had been outsourced to.

Minister Fernando attributed this higher charge to the site of the service provider offering an option for a multiple-entry visa for a six-month period and not the cheaper single-entry three-month visa.

“It had to be brought for Cabinet approval again, and a fresh gazette will be issued when Parliament convenes next week,” Fernando said, though adding that issues related to immigration were not in his remit as Minister of Tourism.

He also debunked claims that the controversy over the visa charges had led to a dip in tourism in the month of April.

“I admit there has been a drop due to the visa uncertainty, but it was not the only factor,” Fernando said.

“I am of the opinion that we should issue visas free-of-charge, but a visa facilitation charge from the service provider will have to be incurred,” Fernando said, though stating that it was not within his remit to discuss why this service was outsourced to VFS Global.

Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

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Kumuda Saturday, 04 May 2024 12:11 AM

He and guy who gave money to ltte may be getting a cut from service provider. Npp will not say anything about this as TA is a close buddy of Jvp. Sjb can score some points here but they lacks sense.

Gune Saturday, 04 May 2024 06:17 AM

TA is no buddy of JVP.

Mila Saturday, 04 May 2024 12:17 AM

Just stop let Indians do visa. I can't belive this is real. How can you let Indians do visa for sri lanka. This really have to stop. We have lot of difficulties now because of this. People should stand up against this and go back to the way we did before.

Kumara Saturday, 04 May 2024 01:53 AM

So many changes within the last few weeks, I am so confused how to apply and pay for multiple entry 3 month visa on line! Please clarify.

Gune Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:58 AM

This clown and all others in the government are the same. No common sense at all. Look at the people sitting around him. Why do people want to visit this chaotic place paying such high fees? There are so many free entry counties for certain passports and those countries do that very well.

John Ford Saturday, 04 May 2024 03:20 AM

Glitch? What a load of bllcks. Some one did a deal to graft a lot of money and it blew up in their faces. Permanent damage has been done to the tourist industry and the reputation of Sri Lanka. We will not be returning as we now realise that rather than welcome guests we are looked upon as cash cows to be milked and scammed. I am looking forward to our winter break in Vietnam.

Sleazy Harin Saturday, 04 May 2024 03:28 AM

Harin is making as much as he can before October. Harin keep a few millions aside for lawyers you are going to need it when the NPP comes to power.

Haramanis Saturday, 04 May 2024 05:01 AM

The Minister in charge is definitely getting a cut from this deal. Not only the price of getting a visa has doubled, but the process is also a long drawn one. It is cheaper to go to India, Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries than coming to Sri Lanka. Tourists will be going to those countries. These Ministers are sacrificing the well being of the country to make money for themselves.

Nalin Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:08 PM

Yes, it's reasonable doubt towards the minister . As per my it can be hidden reason to gave power to such a out source still in country there are more resources and manpower. Actually we are fad up about the government ministers and present regime.

facts about the visa controvesy Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:21 AM

This incident at the airport was pre-planned and not staged by a bona-fide tourist who had just arrived from overseas waiting to get his visa clearance but an Aragalakaraya shouting at the top of his voice both in Sinhala and English. He was there not only to vent his anger against the processing of visa's by an Indian company but also cause severe damage to Sri Lanka's tourism industry in the presence of all the foreign tourists who were gathered there. I wonder why he was not arrested immediately and allowed to carry on for so long to find out his real motive when an election is due to be held soon. I think with the emergence of India as the next super power in the near future and India's booming economy there is growing concern fear and jealousy among some people in the country. that the Indians will start to dictate terms to us.

Joshua Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:31 AM

One solution to counter another illegal solution

Nimal Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:33 AM

The way this process of outsourcing was done is horrific. No proper tender procedure, to say the least. The public was kept unaware of this sordid state of affairs. The ministers are attempting to make a fast buck before they are chased away for good.

Chryshan Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:42 AM

If we are planning to provide free visa that's great. Why do we need a visa facilitator? Like all these years let our immigration officials handle them. So it's really totally visa free. If it's been given to a facilitator how can we control. All the Indian criminals will get visa while genuine Sri Lankans are rejected. Also what is the work going to be given to these immigration officials. Are they going to be idelling.

Sunil Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:54 AM

Organic farming, reduced tax of sugar etc etc and this is another debacle from a sordid government.

Saman Saturday, 04 May 2024 08:10 AM

Tourist have many choices viz India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand etc etc Harin. Please understand the facts.

Rasika Saturday, 04 May 2024 08:15 AM

Remember you're days are numbered. Without further destroy this sector, pls go home.

Reasonable and Logical Pricing Required Saturday, 04 May 2024 08:51 AM

It’s ok to outsource if procedures are followed and pricing is reasonable. Here, the main issue is the visa PRICES DOUBLED and no proper communication was done. These ministers and senior officials have been on the job for many years. Obviously they are incompetent and don’t understand the need to make it reasonable, easy and to streamline the processes for tourism to flourish. Most tourist come from developing or developed countries and expect things to flow smoothly at man made facilities similar back at their airport. They can accept to rough it on nature and its surroundings as it’s part of the adventure to a new destination. But not at a man made airport especially after a long flight.

Is Harin trying to cover up some other? Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:02 AM

If the subject of Visa for tourist is not within the responsibility of Harin Fernando, then why is he hosting a meeting with his pants down?

Rip Winkle Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:05 AM

To finally see the back of all these clowns after the elections will be such a great relief.

Sokrates Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:47 AM

The only way for Sri Lanka, which relies on tourism, is to provide visa-free access to Sri Lanka for tourists from nearly all countries. This means absolutely no fees whatsoever. The best would be a 3 month visa with multiple entry. Now it will be seen who has more power, Felon Tiran Alles or Harin Fernando. Unfortunately, criminals usually prevail in this country.

Anne Feszczur Saturday, 04 May 2024 10:39 AM

Too late. The enormous damage financially and reputation is damaged beyond repair. What's with these guys with the Surname Fernando. There's another one from Kurunegala side !!

Danny Saturday, 04 May 2024 01:34 PM

No excuses or explanations needed if genuine Stop visa issuance by VSF

UMAS ALI Sunday, 05 May 2024 04:56 PM

VISA FREE A MUST . LET THEM COME AND GO AS THEY WISH WE DEPEND ON THEM, THEY ARE OUR BREAD AND BUTTER

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Gazette to include single-entry visa fees next week: Harin

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