Maldives have held discussions regarding visa leniency arrangements with Sri Lanka.
The discussions were held by Ambassador of Maldives in Sri Lanka Omar Abdul Razzak and Controller General of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka RR.N.P.S.D Basnayake. During the meeting, discussions were focused on easing visa issues faced by Maldivians traveling to and living in Sri Lanka.
Recently, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid held visa leniency discussions with Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickramasinghe. Following the series of bombings in Sri Lanka last April, the Government of Sri Lanka has strengthened security measures along with visa arrangements.
Sri Lanka announced all nationalities, including Maldivians, will have to obtain residence visa from their respective countries.
Effective from May 15, the Sri Lankan Government has changed the visa regulations. Moreover, Sri Lanka Government has requested All Residence Visa applicants to undergo necessary health screening before applying for residence visa.
Furthermore, Ambassador Omar Abdul Razzak paid a courtesy call on Minister for City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education of Sri Lanka Rauff Hakeem and discussed higher education.