DIE Awaits AG’s Guidance on Visa Issuance Issue.
The Controller General of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE), Harsha Ilukpitiya, announced yesterday that the department is awaiting instructions from the Attorney General (AG) to address the ongoing visa issuance problem. This situation follows a recent Supreme Court ruling.
“This is now a legal issue, and we have requested the AG’s advice to resolve the visa issuing process,” Ilukpitiya told the Daily FT.
The problem arose after the termination of the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which was replaced by a new e-visa system introduced through a Parliament-approved gazette.
Ilukpitiya expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached by the end of the week. “We are hopeful to receive a favorable response from the AG by Friday, August 23,” he added.
On August 2, the Supreme Court ordered a return to the former ETA visa processing system and the suspension of service and convenience fees under the new e-visa system. This decision came after various stakeholders challenged the new system, arguing that it violated the law, lacked transparency, and did not involve competitive bidding.
The new visa system, operated by global firms GBS Technology Services, IVS Global – FZCO, and VFS Global, faced significant criticism, including from Parliament. The government had defended the change, stating that the new system offered 17 types of visas and was thoroughly evaluated before being approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on September 11, 2023.
However, the transition led to higher visa fees and widespread frustration among travelers and the tourism industry.
“It is not an easy task to resolve the issue overnight,” Ilukpitiya said, acknowledging the difficulty in reverting to the previous system which was replaced to introduce the new one.
The e-visa system was rolled out as SLT-Mobitel, which had provided ETA services since 2012, prepared to implement improvements following a Cabinet decision in July 2021.
The previous ETA system was praised by tourists for its simplicity and ease of use, enhancing Sri Lanka’s reputation as a traveler-friendly destination.
The controversy surrounding the new visa system has caused confusion and disruption in the tourism sector—a vital part of Sri Lanka’s economy, particularly as the country works to recover from recent economic challenges. It is crucial that the delay in reinstating the ETA system does not affect the upcoming high season.
The tourism industry, already struggling with a decline in arrivals, has been further strained by the visa processing issues.
In response, the Tourism Advisory Committee and major tourism associations, including the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), have strongly criticized the DIE. They have urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to intervene and ensure the prompt reinstatement of the ETA system.
They warned that failure to address the situation could have severe consequences for both the tourism industry and the national economy.