On-arrival visa fiasco drains VFS Global’s confidence in Sri Lanka

6 May 2024 09:07 am - 99 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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VFS Global which has been caught in the center of controversy in the on arrival visa issuance at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has raised serious concerns with the Public Security Ministry led by Tiran Alles stating that while they were a reputed global company, they were shocked to be left victimized as the on arrival visa saga took a turn for the worse.

The Daily Mirror learns that the government had handed over the contract of the on arrival visa issuance to GBS - IVS, which is a Singaporean based company and VFS Global, which is a multi national American company, was handling the technical part of the process.

The Daily Mirror learns that last Wednesday night, there was a severe back log at the on arrival visa counter at the BIA as the internet failed raising the foreign staff to question if there was an act of sabotage to purposely disrupt the service.

A highly placed source said that the foreign companies involved had raised these concerns with the Public Security Ministry and the government will soon commence a probe. Before GBS - IVS took over the on arrival visa issuance at the BIA, the counter was handled by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

As GBS - IVS and VFS Global were delayed in getting the platform back up, the on arrival visa counter was handed back to the Department of Immigration and Emigration which then continued a smooth operation once again.

"Surprisingly when GBS - IVS and VFS Global were handed over the counter, the internet at the BIA failed and for several hours staff attempted to get the system back online. VFS and GBS has raised these concerns of sabotage with the Public Security Ministry," a senior source familiar with the incident said.

In December, the Public Security Ministry led by Tiran Alles signed the agreement with GBS - IVS and VFS Global to handle the on arrival visa counter at the BIA. VFS Global came in to only handle the technical part of the process. The government approved the foreign company to charge an additional 25 dollars for the service in addition to the 75 dollars which was already being charged bringing the total to 100 dollars to be charged per passport.

VFS Global which is already handling similar on arrival visas in 67 countries were approached by the government to which a contract was then signed. In each country they operate, VFS Global ensures data privacy, creates local employment, and also promotes the destinations among their audience of travelers.

According to the break down given by the Sri Lankan officials, the 25 dollars being charged included VFS Global paying the staff salaries, the rent as well as money allocated for data protection and to carry out a tourism promotion campaign for Sri Lanka Tourism in the countries VFS Global operates.

That was surprisingly not conveyed to the public by the Sri Lankan government.

Now that the companies have been caught in the midst of controversy, the Daily Mirror learns that VFS Global and GBS - IVS have informed Minister Tiran Alles of why they have been left victimized and why the government has maintained a silence and not doing much to clear the company's image.

Minister Tiran Alles himself was away in Singapore for a private visit these past few days and returned to the country today. He is expected to meet the press today afternoon to give his version of the story.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando already played it safe last week when he met the media and said he was not to blame over the whole fiasco. He will raise the matter in Parliament this week.

The Daily Mirror learns that VFS Global has also very strongly conveyed to the government that their reputation was being damaged in the ongoing political cross fire and they were left disappointed. With its experience in 67 countries, the company is hoping the dust would settle soon, a senior source from the Sri Lankan side said.

Foreign companies who are invited into the country are often left disappointed due to the government's lack or ignorance of updating the Sri Lankan citizens and when controversy breaks out, foreign companies are often left carrying out its own damage control due to the inability of the government ministers to clean the image and clear the air.

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N.M. Perera Monday, 06 May 2024 09:27 AM

Must not be permitted !! Immigration must handle this.

Srima Monday, 06 May 2024 10:25 AM

No.

Sam the Man Monday, 06 May 2024 10:44 AM

Perera , don't make BS comments. VFS Global operates in 150 countries there is no issue, but in SL there is an issue. Not with VFS but with SL obviously. Are you trying to racist political crooks .

Arifmeah Nazir Monday, 06 May 2024 10:45 AM

Please show me in any country where vfs issuing on arrival visa in the airport? They have offices in 67 countries only

Nalin Monday, 06 May 2024 09:29 AM

Let's wait and see what the real story is. It could very well be that some interested parties who were able to influence the process previously can no longer do so. Let's wait and see. As for the overall all fess for tourists, with many countries going to be visa exempt shortly, the overall cost to a visitor is likely to go down significantly from the previous levels. As for foreign exchange earnings, with the growth in numbers following the visa relaxation, visitor arrivals would go up, and the overall net revenue to the government will go up in the medium term. So lets remove politics from this, and wait to understand the fuller story and picture. We all know the mega story about the MCC grant funding that a big drama was made prior to the last election, when in fact it was all a made up farce, and it was the country that lost out on a significant grant (note: not a loan). And lets hope the cherry picking headline seeking politicians stop their mischief making.

Patriot Monday, 06 May 2024 10:26 AM

Exactly

Onlooker Monday, 06 May 2024 09:37 AM

But to allow to charge an additional 25 dollars for the service in addition to the 75 dollars is 33% service charge. This appears far to much and could be a cut allround. Is the government happy with only 67% for allowing entry into SL. Why change the system instead charge 100 dollars and government handle all these extra services through our prolific embassies which have sprung up like mushrooms.

No more Secured Employment with Introduction of AI Monday, 06 May 2024 09:42 AM

If 67 countries are accepting their set up and operating procedures with no major feedback from the users, obviously it’s an issue only happening in SL. Shows the incompetency of the minister and officials involved of appointing this private company to run the service but not assisting and updating the masses. Further, the mindset of government employees of secured employment needs to change especially with the introduction of AI. Jobs will evolve every few years and people need to upgrade regularly in this new era. Fortunate SLank’s who have migrated to developed countries can vouch how job scopes change rapidly.

Don perera Thursday, 09 May 2024 02:05 PM

Are you employed by VFS??? Why are you bringing in AI? There is no AI involved here, don’t try to influence people with your BS AI.

Suda Monday, 06 May 2024 09:55 AM

Have you ever seen tourism promotion campaigns by VFS Global for any country? Have you ever heard of someone has decided to travel to a country due to promotion by VFS Global? Absolute bullshit these.

Chin Monday, 06 May 2024 03:49 PM

Agreed. This is a childish attempt to justify their unfair commission.

Ragu Monday, 06 May 2024 10:00 AM

Since when has VFS Global become a tourism promoter? Even of they do, won't they have to do it for all 100 or so countries they operate in? What nonsense?

DW from UK Monday, 06 May 2024 10:00 AM

Great article and thank you for sharing all the vital information. I have been to Sri Lanka so many times and was planning to visit in June but now I have doubts. Some other country might benefit from my British pounds.

Patriot Monday, 06 May 2024 10:28 AM

Lol. Says a local Jeppa

Alaya Monday, 06 May 2024 11:01 AM

Why? Please come as there is a bugger waiting to benifit from your pounds, that's the minister who did all this gobbledigook.

Allaudeen Sunday, 12 May 2024 05:57 AM

As a British citizen in first place do you still need a visa Presume these landing visa are for those countries required visa to travel to Sri Lanka

Gunadasa Monday, 06 May 2024 10:01 AM

VFS is operating from India and their salary, rents and other costs are very low. If SL Mobitel could provide the same service for $1 how can VFS justify their price of $25?

Trust bankruptcy Monday, 06 May 2024 11:12 AM

VFS Global has a rented office in kollupitiya Geethanjali place and many Sri Lankans are working there. It so happens the tourists who pay the 90 dollars are not the ones who have a problem but our locals! Govt has lost the trust of the people so even when they do something good for the nation the people dont believe them.

Nandasena Hora Monday, 06 May 2024 03:31 PM

VFS charges $1 for the service. The remaining $24 is for the Minister.

Lalindra Monday, 06 May 2024 04:34 PM

...the balance USD24 might be going into the pocket of the minister in charge.

Christo255 Monday, 06 May 2024 10:08 AM

When things were going smoothly, who raised a storm? Department was handling the operation smoothly. VFS should blame themselves and the minister not the country. VFS was greedy for business and Minister not sensitive to public opinion.

Patriot Monday, 06 May 2024 10:31 AM

Going smooth? Officials of Immigration and Emigration are all public servants. They can go on strike any day for days and disrupt the whole economy. This is why these critical areas should be handled by independent agencies.

Abd Monday, 06 May 2024 10:26 AM

Which a service done for $ 1 by SLT,raised to $25 is unethical and a plunder,but there are interested individuals,who are gaining out of this,they certainly voice for this corrupt dealing and even run behind who voicing against corrupt deal to get the revenge

Gamini Peris Monday, 06 May 2024 10:27 AM

This visa issue can be done by ICTA and Immigration Dept easily Why VFS Global coming in, This was done by Immigration Dept for so many years, why now?

Jayasinghe Monday, 06 May 2024 10:46 AM

There are enough local talented resources to do this work. Those who genuinely love Sri Lanka will never outsource this work. Many things can be done locally otherwise why should major US companies and HSBC outsource their work to Sri Lanka.

Adwani Monday, 06 May 2024 10:54 AM

'The 25 dollars being charged included VFS Global paying the staff salaries, the rent as well as money allocated for data protection and to carry out a tourism promotion campaign for Sri Lanka Tourism in the countries VFS Global operates' - Plus for our T.A.

Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 07 May 2024 10:39 PM

Yes, salaries of Indian workers, profit for the owners, kickbacks for SL government ministers. Tourism promotion by VFS Global is bullshit, This is totally unacceptable and should or will be stopped. This is part of Indian expansion into SL affairs.

Gerry England Monday, 06 May 2024 11:19 AM

Egypt has on-arrival visa for many. The charge only 25 USD; you pay the charge at a bank near the immigration counter and the immigration people then handle it. In Sri Lanka the service charge itself is 25USD! Will SL ever be able to be like Egypt despite having great ancient monuments ?

Rao Monday, 06 May 2024 11:28 AM

During third week of April I wanted to get ETA approval through our travel agent which was not available. Then visa was specified to Indians for multi entry or free visa for single entry 30 days but agency charges 18.5$. When tried online this feature was disabled and forced to go for 6 months twin entry visa costing INR6,000/- since tickets and tour fixed for 8 days in May I took visa. If Sri Lanka wants tourism rush from India to happen they better simplify ETA method without private agency but same 18.5$ they can charge as fee by Govt itself.

Sokrates Monday, 06 May 2024 11:37 AM

As a German living in Sri Lanka, I have only had the worst experiences with VFS Global, which checks visa applications and documents from Sri Lankan citizens and carries out interviews on behalf of the German embassy in Colombo. The VFS employees are ignorant, not qualified enough, do not have sufficient language skills and are unfriendly and unwilling to help. In my opinion, they were instructed by VFS to work as many cases as possible on a daily basis in order to make the most profit. The human component (lousy salaries on the part of the VFS employees and a lack of helpfulness in treating the applicants) falls by the wayside. And the worst thing about it is that the embassy trusts the information and assessments of the VFS employees when issuing visas. When visas were previously issued directly at the embassy, everything was always unproblematic and processed smoothly.

Nilmini Welivita Monday, 06 May 2024 12:08 PM

Since SL is the southern pradesh of India according to the tourism minister Harin Fernando, we should hand the process over to Indian immigration service.

DK Monday, 06 May 2024 12:08 PM

What are the other countries VFS is handling this same service to other countries? It’s not VFS or India, it’s Sri Lanka

Priyan66 Monday, 06 May 2024 12:09 PM

VFS is not a such a high calibre company. You can witness if you go to obtain a visa. VFS is very rude and low customer service company

Nodaking kalakanni Monday, 06 May 2024 12:14 PM

If we don’t save the country from these self-serving lowlifes, we might as well pack our bags and take up residence in India or wherever that will take us because Sri Lanka will be unliveable to most except the rogue politicians.

Dan Monday, 06 May 2024 12:33 PM

Please listen to the video by Pubudu Jagoda on this fiasco. He clearly mentions all the facts. We can then make up our own minds. This site doesn't allow to copy paste the web link.

Mahesh Monday, 06 May 2024 12:33 PM

$25 is too much for handling the application process. You will see a dip in tourist numbers going forward and this will have a knock on effects on everything

MK Monday, 06 May 2024 12:51 PM

VFS global is known for their visa processing delays across the globe. They are running the visa application process like a mafia and have bad reviews online. Why are we worried about hurting their feelings? we should control our own entry process.

Dinruta Monday, 06 May 2024 01:02 PM

What was the necessity to engage them ? Was our immigration officers not performing ? Wasn't there a local company with adequate software knowledge ? Why was it done so secretly without even informing the influential Minister of tourism ?

Chloe Bowden Monday, 06 May 2024 01:04 PM

We have been coming to Sri Lanka for years. 2023 will be our last visit. It is not the extra $50 in fees that is the issue. It is the knowledge that we are looked upon as walking ATMs to have the maximum extracted from us. When you look at the prices for foreigners at attractions and the tourist premium charged in shops Sri Lanka is no longer a place tourists should bother with.

Anne Feszczur Monday, 06 May 2024 01:12 PM

I find it hard to believe that there is no common sense in the Powers that be. This is why I left this beautiful island that I miss so much!

Ombudsbravo Monday, 06 May 2024 01:20 PM

VFS is a money maker. They misguide you and almost force you to go for the higher cost VIP Service (Priority service) when issuing VISA to other foreign destinations through their many offices in LK. They should not be given more opportunities to make unreasonable profits by handing over the On Arrival Visa function in LK. Let’s continue with our own Immigration Officers.

Ravana Monday, 06 May 2024 01:37 PM

None of this would have happened if we had the transparency we were promised by the government. Still our fellows operate in secrecy until the last minute or a whistleblower uncovers it. If the public are informed of every action to be taken, we can lead a better lifestyle. Don't let religion, politics and commercial interests steer our advancements. VFS adviced Sri Lankan team could have been at the airport had people known there were patriotic jobs vacant. Put an officer of every race so that there is no favourism or hassle of language problems. Now the fellow who exposed it, is in a court case. How can we expect patriotism if every person who uncovers it gets thrown into jail or made to suffer with court time?

FredSnR Monday, 06 May 2024 01:46 PM

Have elections soon. Elect a govt that is responsible to the people. Just now they seem to be acting as if the country belongs to them, to do what they please. Let these foreign companies go back without tarnishing their reputation further and allow the people to do their job, what they have always been doing. What is wrong with that?The country has too many problems to deal with currently, debts unpaid, cost of living, public dissatisfaction with so many things, and elections round the corner

WHAT NEXT IS THIS GOVERNMENT GOING TO OUTSOURCE TO FOREIGN COMPANIES?? Monday, 06 May 2024 02:18 PM

NOT SURPRISED, WHEN SRI LANKAN POLITICIANS DO NOT KNOW WHETHER THEY ARE COMING OR GOING AND GET INVOLVED IN COMPANIES THAT OPERATE IN 167 OR SO COUNTRIES WHO HAVE UPTO DATE EQUIPMENT AND IT OPERATIONS, EXPECT THE COST TO BE LOW WHEN USUAL PRACTICE FOR SOME POLITICIANS TO HAVE THEIR PALMS OILED. WHY WAS THIS OPERATION THAT HAS BEEN HANDLED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TAKEN OFF THEIR HANDS?? WE THE PUBLIC NEED TO KNOW THE BIG UNANSWERED QUESTION??

Kevin Monday, 06 May 2024 02:26 PM

I hear some kickbacks were given to fund an election campaign.

Rishan Monday, 06 May 2024 02:26 PM

Better to promote online VISA system and give a discount or remove that $25 visa fee. Those visiting Sri Lanka all are having Internet facility at their home or office. So then can apply for online VISA.... Pay the price if you forget to apply for VISA...

Yohan Monday, 06 May 2024 02:30 PM

How did you get it without a tender. Minister TA should be sent to jail for ignoring tender process and misleading the cabinet as well as parliament

Tissa Fernando Monday, 06 May 2024 03:01 PM

@Nalin, real story or a fabricated story? This story has incorrect facts. Go and check yourself. Ti say this an American company is incorrect. If you are born as an Indian and you migrate to America, they identify you as Indian American. They may be in several countries but Sri Lanka is the first country to have them occupy at the country's of country's airport immigration. There was no need for that. The visa charges have gone up when they want to promote tourist industry. It should be otherway around. The slowness of issuing visa was related to the inefficiency of their system which is not geared for on arrival visas at airports. This story is bullshit.

Ravi Warakaulle Monday, 06 May 2024 03:22 PM

I am sure there is more to this fiasco beyond our eyes can see. Looks like a major scam being an election year. You know what I'm talking about :) If the cost to the visitor is going up what's purpose of having such a system. It we who need the tourists to come isn''t it??? Here we go......!!

Shera Monday, 06 May 2024 03:49 PM

Nothing new here. Everyone knows Sri Lanka is a rip off. The pattern of deception and corruption starts even before you enter the country then continues from the airport taxis and three wheelers, to the shops and food sellers, and the government. No integrity. I would not visit a country like this either.

wickrama wijayasiri Monday, 06 May 2024 04:16 PM

Oh wow. Did we hurt your feelings (profits). Teaches you not to bribe crooked politicians to sell your services. Good riddence.

COUNTRY NEEDS A CHANGE OF GOVT, ALL TALK AND ELECTION SPINS WILL BE FORGOTTEN IF THE SAME OLE SAME OLE SCUM ARE ELECTED Monday, 06 May 2024 04:20 PM

SINCE THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO PAY $25 TO GO INTO THE POCKETS OF EITHER ONE OF THE COMPANIES AND OR ONLY ONE OF THEM, A SUGGESTION " WHY DOESN'T THE GOVT PUT THAT $25 INTO INCREASING THE WAGES OF OUR OWN EMPLOYEES. AS USUAL GOVT/DECISION MAKERS ALWAYS READY TO DOLE OUT WHEN OUTSOURCING AND FEATHERING SOMEONE/S NEST. THIS GOVT NEEDS TO BE HOOFED OUT IN UPCOMING ELECTION OR ELSE MAJORITY OF US WILL BE SUFFERING BEYOND WORDS.

Gobbama gobba Monday, 06 May 2024 04:25 PM

Based on the press conference saw an hour ago, Tiran's point is that the governmrnt has paid 1.5 million rupees to a local visa operating company before, and now they dont have to pay that money anymore, its free, as VFS does it by charging omly 18.50 USD per person,(plus taxes), which is charged from a visitor, so the government doesnt have to pay that 1.5 million. Fid he pass maths? 18.50USD times no.of visitors per month is how much? What sort of dumbness is this? If any money is charged, it would have been foreign money income for the government coffers rather palming it off stupidly to another foreign operator. I can't get this you stupid people in the cabinet who.passed this!!!

jude Monday, 06 May 2024 04:47 PM

VFS sent in an unsolicited proposal. Now they are complaining? First rule of selling - don't sell anything your customer doesn't need.

Mandayan Monday, 06 May 2024 04:59 PM

Trustpilot review for this company is 1.5/5. VFS global was used as a money laundering by many corrupted government ministers of the third world countries in the west to ripoff the tourists in issuing visas via these company. They acted as couriers and charged a lot and eventually the Indian government decided to go online following a dip in tourism noting Sri Lanka is in benefitting. Hence VFS Global came to Sri Lanka, and they convinced the government to get the visa issuing outsourced. Now all the tourists will be diverting to India and that’s why VFSGvus here!

Mahila Monday, 06 May 2024 05:02 PM

Onlooker, “……instead charge 100 dollars and government handle all these extra services through our prolific embassies which have sprung up like mushrooms.” NOT possible! That doesn't serve purpose!!?? SYSTEM is designed to work with VFS Global PROGRAMME, without which understanding the UNIVERSALITY, GLOBAL of USE is LOST”!!?? Only increase Fees $25!!??

Mandayan Monday, 06 May 2024 05:03 PM

Enough, revert back to the old system and save the tourism industry!

MultiReli-Harmon Monday, 06 May 2024 05:27 PM

Looks like VFS is threatening Sri Lanka?! Who gave them such powers? Which minister is behind this scam?

V F S Crooks Monday, 06 May 2024 05:28 PM

They steal your cc details.

Sam Silva Monday, 06 May 2024 05:34 PM

Any foreign investors should be aware that they are taking big risk in investing in our country due to bankruptcy and corruption.

VFS Global is not Indian company Monday, 06 May 2024 06:07 PM

From publicly available sources: Zubin Karkaria Founder and CEO in June 2023, he was appointed on the National Tourism Advisory Council of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Jiten Vyas Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development Srinarayan Sankaran Chief Operating Officer Jose Manuel Aisa Mancho Chief Financial Officer Dhiren Savla Chief Information Officer Nirbhik Goel Chief Human Resources Officer Bernard Martyris Chief Culture Officer Dilliprasad Joshi Deputy Chief Financial Officer Ashish Patel Deputy Chief Financial Officer

Cherath Monday, 06 May 2024 06:38 PM

Sri Lanka, if it has any of its brain still intact, should immediately enforce a '30 day free Visa on arrival' policy to holders of countries with an unblemished record in immigration, similar to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. Thailand for example has this facility for 47 countries. 30 days is more than enough for Europeans, Americans and Australasians to spend their annual holidays in one go. This will boost the tourists numbers automatically and enhance the exchange earnings thereby while maintaining goodwill and generosity.

Banda Monday, 06 May 2024 06:47 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.

Tissa Fernando Monday, 06 May 2024 07:30 PM

If not confident, then go back to your standard offline services.

Pina from Amsterdam Monday, 06 May 2024 07:34 PM

25 dollars into 3 million visas per year equals 75 million dollars. And how many Rupees?? All these to rent and salaries!!! I have not seen VFS doing any tourism promotions. All these nonsenses. There was money in a few people's pockets of course that was promoted. The system worked perfectly with ETA. what they can do and retain 75 million dollars in the country. Why not giving bonus to immigration staff. That will curb corruption to some extent at the airport. Definitely NO NO to physical issuing of visa by VFS staff. NO COUNTRY DOES THAT

Lakshman maddumahewa Monday, 06 May 2024 08:10 PM

Anyone traval UK or Australia first to be given biometric at vfs.It is trusted organisation in globally. Those are voices against who no experience either go to UK or Australia. Only sabotage the new program .the government institute of handling of visa issues highly courpt why they vociferous against the good move.

Dr. Rani Dharm Monday, 06 May 2024 09:17 PM

"The dust will settle" they say... Not a chance. You Messed with the Wrong Generation! The people have spoken, let the Sri Lankans handle their borders. This is the right of the people.

Punchi Monday, 06 May 2024 09:44 PM

Funny Sri Lankan mentality why blame VFS global, the blame if there is an issue should fall on those patriots who enabled this VFS operation. In any case the USD$100 charges will eventually have a negative impact of tourism numbers

Chandragupta Monday, 06 May 2024 10:04 PM

There were touts who broker $ 50 - 200 to issue visas for foreigners. The tourists pay that because they do not want to ruin their holidays. Immigration staff lost that perk.

FredSnR Tuesday, 07 May 2024 02:36 AM

Then deal with that. That's called good administration. Don't turn the place upside down by bringing in a co from the other side of the globe. And issue of visas is such a sensitive thing involves a country's security among other things

Sammu Monday, 06 May 2024 11:58 PM

Google search and you will see VFS Global operates in 151 countries. This airport fiasco is not their fault but the fault of the Govt. in employing them in the first place when there was no real need and not communicating to all concerned properly. All the internet breakdown at the airport has to be investigated for possible sabotage. If it can happen once it can happen anytime.

Lilavati Tuesday, 07 May 2024 07:40 AM

Do you know how this works? Or are you from VFS Global? Congrats Sri Lanka, you are now suburb for India and India got what they have desired thousand of years - legitime power over Sri Lanka to deside who can enter to SL and who not.

Sharowana Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:27 AM

VFS services are to facilitate Visa issuance, and the relevant Embassies or Government authorities only grant the visa. VFS's job is an intermediate role only. There are no VFS offices in any Airport and this should not happen at all. This is a threat to National Security.

Mini versin of Aragalaya bears fruit Tuesday, 07 May 2024 09:52 AM

Is this a sign of a mini Aragalaya? The goal is achieved i.e. the arrogant contractor has deserted and the Govt. Department of Immigration and Emigration has completed the job, all without any interference from any minister. This also shows the irrelevance or need of a useless contractor. Rates can be reduced as an incentive to tourists; better arrangements for permanent staff. Entire Visa fee can accrue to the Govt. If the work load is heavy, recruit young, educated, talented local hands to enhance performance - Jobless issue is solved. Ministers and brokers are dumb struck. Ranil need this aragalaya more than anybody.

Tonga Tuesday, 07 May 2024 10:04 AM

I am of the view Immigration matters especially visas etc should only be handled by them and not outsourced. The revenue earned from it should also remain in Sri Lanka.

PROFESSOR FROLEY Tuesday, 07 May 2024 12:45 PM

I LIVE IN U.K ( VFS ) IS NOT DOING ANY TOURISM PROMOTION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM i will not be visiting SRI-LANKA if the government is corrupt it is disgrace such a lovely country

dinesh Tuesday, 07 May 2024 01:03 PM

yes sri lanka is very good at doing the same thing done all these years at $50 jacked up to $75 or more for the profit of private companies.....go figure...a land like no other

Steven Pereraq Tuesday, 07 May 2024 01:43 PM

Very soon they will start deciding Dual citizen ship. we can see the mentality of VSF Sydney - they just bully you. if u are dual citizen having Austrlian passport , they insist to apply original passport from your mothers country to get visa to India. What a joke.

Sambo Tuesday, 07 May 2024 01:59 PM

Why is everything being done underhand. Why was this not mentioned in the parliament and the public informed of this transition. Our cabinet will approve any thing as they ignorant.

ANNECUNT Tuesday, 07 May 2024 05:17 PM

to whom did you give $24 that you collected? this is important we got corrupt politicians

Sugee Tuesday, 07 May 2024 08:12 PM

Corrupt minister! he is getting $5 per visitor as commission!

Dr Michael Fernando Tuesday, 07 May 2024 10:06 PM

The Dept. of Immigration and Emigration was doing an excellent job at BIA, so why was it necessary to change ?? Do we have to indianise everything?? Sri Lanka SHOULD BE IN CONTROL TOTALLY AT BIA. Politicians are the bane of society - no wonder when there is an IMPOSTER PRESIDENT !!!!

Jamilas Friend Wednesday, 08 May 2024 04:14 AM

Mobile offered the same service for $1. But they were not entertained. For these guys to charge 25 per head and not have their own internet and blame the nation for sabotage is utter BS. These guys don’t operate on arrival visa in 67 countries. Jamila Husain has clearly got a call or pay cheque to promote a biased story. Please do your research. They don’t issue on arrival visas in 67 countries. Without verbatim do some research before you write nonsense

Ignatius Wednesday, 08 May 2024 05:20 AM

Sri Lankan immigration were doing a good job. Why outsource it for more COST. Not happenning here.

Mr Chris B Wednesday, 08 May 2024 12:26 PM

Wake up Sri Lanka! You are being totally scammed. VFS use clever marketing and wordage to give the appearance that they are delivering visa services in many countries such as Canada U.K. NZ Aus etc etc when in fact they only offer 3rd party assistance to those who are unaware or unwilling or in some cases unable due to language barrier to fill in the required forms. They only “Faciltate” they do not manage and control the majority of visa applications in those countries. They Just happen to be one of the largest of such companies due to the vastly inflated fees they charge and clever marketing. Sri Lanka government has given them total monopoly for 12 years to cream off over 50 million USD per year! It is up to you the voters to find out why?

Sumi Thursday, 09 May 2024 05:50 AM

Wow, a scam on a scam! No wonder SL govt hopped into bed with them. Fits like a glove.

STOMY DANIELS Wednesday, 08 May 2024 08:52 PM

mr sandaruwan kumarasinghe mr tiran alles will apologise to you with a compensation of Rs 2 billion, you deserve it

Mark Brennan Thursday, 09 May 2024 10:16 AM

The UK passport office uses VFS in Thailand to handle renewal applications. I found them to be excellent and obtained a new passport in two weeks. A lot of blame deflection going on at the airport.

VFS Border Force keeping the plannet under control Thursday, 09 May 2024 05:49 PM

Minister please let SL immigration to handle visa process and let mobitel assist for USD 001. VFS charges are high for filling forms and there are hidden charges as well. Otherwise SL pepole and opposition MPs will say that you are getting this percentage and that percentage. Why not continue chasing the drug mafia issue like recent past with Mr Dharmabandu? This VFS staff think that they are from Usa/UK border control. In reality they are only a glorified typping center lined up in back allies of Dubai. Good luck!!

Scandinavian Turist Thursday, 09 May 2024 09:49 PM

VFS is just steeling money from the turist. Jan 2024 I travelled to SL and my online visa was 60 dollar for 30 days. Now I should pay 100 dollar, only because of VFS. To whos pocket that extra 40 dollar goes? Sri Lanka is now stealing turist money? Or is it actually India includin SL politicians who is stealing turist money? Tiran, you should think about again how to boost turism, since this is not a way how to do it. There are cheaper countries, like India. I go there next time.

ANNECUNT Friday, 10 May 2024 12:19 PM

HOW MUCH OUR Mr T.A GETS OUT OF THIS . IS THE MONEY GOING TO PANAMA BANK ACCOUNT

Harin the father of undertable deal Friday, 10 May 2024 03:10 PM

Appointment Harin and expect a circus

Stanley Friday, 10 May 2024 05:58 PM

$25 service charge. Multiply by a million visitors. That's $25 million. That's 7 BILLION rupees. Something FISHY!

Prabhath Perera Saturday, 11 May 2024 02:09 PM

Bringing in VFS is a stupid decision when the immigration department could do the job. The Minister must have taken Keheliya as a role model and destroying the image of Sri Lanka with the help of his Cabinet colleques. Some Ministers have come out criticising it after transpiring the saga at the airport and it is too late. In line with the thinking of the Minister and his protectors, It would not a surprise of this stupid minister bring in a proposal to the cabinet to privatise the immigration department. Can we fix issue this (by getting rid of VFS) to benefit our country??

Chandra Perera Saturday, 11 May 2024 05:13 PM

These companies expects the GoSL to take some actions to clear the image of the VFS assocaited companies. Why should the GoSL take cleanse their image as thety did not do their homework before starting work? Have they run a proof of Concept or Pilot run before starting actual work? We need to kick the minister out of the Parliament for organising this type of indirect benefits? Has the Minister;s visit to Singapore was paid by the VFS??

Ahmed Sunday, 12 May 2024 07:56 AM

The question is why do you need VFS when you have a fully functioning system like eta ? Why do you make the visa cost more for tourists by adding additional service chargers ? What about data security? Stop this immediately and get back to ETA. Don't destroy the tourism industry of Sri Lanka

Yohan Sunday, 12 May 2024 02:59 PM

They lost confidence because they paid the sweetener for the contract and didn’t get to execute

roberto faravelli Sunday, 12 May 2024 11:22 PM

Good evening I love Sri Lanka I was on holiday for 8 years with my family. we are 6 and we paid 600 usd last time. Why? It's a huge amount of money with no sense, one person wrote in Egypt you pay 25 dollars. we are Italians, considering how much the average salary of a person is, should we charge 3500 usd for a visa? in Italy you don't pay anything, the cost is zero. if you want to encourage tourism you should pay a maximum of 30 usd and make discount vouchers. the entrance costs to the monuments are high, tourists often feel like the stupid chicken to be fleeced. the tourist brings money and economic well-being for everyone. remember 600 usd less to spend on a family. I believe Italy has 130 million tourists per year what if we asked for 100 usd per visa? we will probably have 30% fewer tourists. I love Sri Lanka ROBERTO

Ed Rowlands Tuesday, 14 May 2024 08:38 AM

When is the Sri Lankan authorities who handle this get real and make the contractor do what they were contracted to do and if they are not prepared, cancel the contract and revert to the original system. Playing footsies with these dudes is a waste of time.

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On-arrival visa fiasco drains VFS Global’s confidence in Sri Lanka

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