High Commissioner slams poor visa facilitations for Maldivians traveling to Sri Lanka

The Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad has slammed poor visa facilitations for Maldivian nationals traveling to Sri Lanka.

A large number of Maldivians travel to Sri Lanka for holidays and medical purposes. Moreover, Sri Lanka is one of the foreign countries with the largest Maldivian population.

Maldivian travelers do not generally need to apply for a visa in advance to visit Sri Lanka, as they are granted an on-arrival visa. However, those intending to stay for longer durations or to live in the country are required to obtain the appropriate visa.

In an interview with Sri Lankan media outlet, Daily News, High Commissioner Masood questioned why Maldivians traveling to Sri Lanka are receiving “step-motherly” treatment by Sri Lankan immigration officials.

In this regard, the High Commissioner Masood claimed that Maldivian nationals are forced to wait in long queues from 9:00am to 5:00pm to obtain their visas. He particularly expressed concern over lack of understanding that Maldivians are also foreigners, similar to those with fair skin.

“I am perplexed as to why officials only consider those who arrive in Sri Lanka with fair skin as visitors,” he was quoted by the media outlet.

He added that Maldivian nationals are being reprimanded and shouted at by Sri Lankan immigration officials.

On the contrary, High Commissioner Masood noted that visas are granted immediately without any hassle when applied through a third-party travel agent.

As such, he alleged immigration officials may be receiving some financial benefits when visa applications are submitted through travel agents. On this note, he detailed that Maldivians are required to pay extra fees when applying for visas through travel agents.

High Commissioner Masood, citing Sri Lanka has traditionally been viewed as the preferred destination for Maldivians seeking education and healthcare, said the situation is rapidly changing. He emphasized that the number of Maldivians traveling to Sri Lanka for medical, educational, and tourism purposes has declined from 8,000 to 1,500, with many Maldivian students now accessing better educational opportunities in South India.

The High Commissioner warned that the Maldivian government will be forced to revise its visa policy concerning Sri Lankan professionals working in various sectors within the Maldives if the situation persists.

He reminded that Maldives has always been a close ally and friend of Sri Lanka for decades, consistently supporting Sri Lanka in international forums.