Maldives seeks arrangements for senior citizens to settle in Sri Lanka

Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has asked the Sri Lankan government to facilitate arrangements for Maldivian senior citizens to go to Sri Lanka for permanent residence, according to a report carried by a Colombo-based news outlet.

Sri Lanka’s newspaper, Daily Mirror, reported that Zameer made the request during a meeting with Sri Lankan Public Security Minister Tiran Alles on Thursday.

According to the newspaper, the meeting was attended by a delegation of Maldivian government officials, led by Sheryna Abdul Samad, Maldivian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

He Daily Mirror reported that the discussions primarily revolved around immigration matters, including visa issuance procedures, with Zameer commending Sri Lanka's Immigration Department for introducing new visa categories.

The two ministers were also reported to have exchanged views on the current political situation.

Sri Lanka had revised its visa regulations last month, doubling the tourist visa fee. But following concern over the change, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry later issued a statement clarifying that Maldivian nationals will continue to a free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

Neighboring Sri Lanka and India hosts the most Maldivians living outside of the Maldives. Sri Lanka is also a top destination for Maldivians, for vacation, business and healthcare.