Israel Security Situation and Advice to Sri Lankans

She is receiving treatment at the hospital, and I will be dispatching an embassy team to help the matter soon.

For the sixth consecutive night, Iran has continued to launch ballistic missile attacks targeting major urban areas in Israel. In each instance, the public was warned in advance to seek shelter in safe zones. So far, three such alerts have been issued. Israeli security forces successfully intercepted and neutralized all incoming missiles.

Visa Extensions by PIBA:
In light of the ongoing conflict, the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) has implemented a special provision extending the visa validity of all foreign nationals currently in Israel by up to three months. This applies to those whose visas have expired during the conflict.

Eligible visa categories include:

B/1 – General Employment Visa
B/2 – Tourist Visa
B/4 – Volunteer Visa
A/1 – Temporary Resident Visa
A/2 – Student Visa (excluding Agricultural Trainees)
A/3 – Clergy/Religious Visa
A/4 – Dependent Visa
A/5 – Temporary Resident Visa
DCL Permit – Family Reunification and Humanitarian Visa

Sri Lankans Awaiting Re-entry:
A total of 119 Sri Lankans currently in Sri Lanka have been instructed to return to Israel. However, based on the policy decision of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, their return has been temporarily suspended. 

In response to the Embassy’s request, PIBA has assured that RE-ENTRY visas for those currently in Sri Lanka will be extended once flights resume. Expired RE-ENTRY visas since the beginning of the conflict will not hinder re-entry into Israel.

Assistance for Visa Extensions:
The Embassy continues to provide support to Sri Lankans currently in Sri Lanka to extend their RE-ENTRY visa validity as needed.

Two of the four Sri Lankans injured during the recent attacks remain hospitalized. The Embassy monitors their condition daily and has arranged for Sri Lankans to visit them to help alleviate their psychological distress.

Emergency Repatriation Assistance:
A Sri Lankan national from Galle who had to urgently travel to Sri Lanka due to the sudden death of his child was assisted by the Embassy to cross into Egypt via the Eilat and Taba borders. 

Embassy officials coordinated with Egyptian immigration authorities to facilitate his transit. He departed from Cairo International Airport to Colombo today (19/06/2025) at 2:00 AM.

Support to Visiting Sri Lankans:
Two Sri Lankan business visitors in Israel were also informed that they may return to Sri Lanka using the same route via Egypt.

Communication Channels:
All three WhatsApp numbers issued by the Embassy remain active. Sri Lankans in Israel and their families can use these numbers to obtain information and assistance.

Extended Embassy Operations:
The Embassy continues to function during weekends and public holidays to serve the Sri Lankan community during this crisis.

Religious Observances in Support:
Bodhi Poojas, prayers, and religious services have been held at various religious sites in Sri Lanka, dedicated to the safety and well-being of Sri Lankans in Israel. Many of these services were streamed live, allowing Embassy staff and affected individuals to join spiritually. We extend heartfelt thanks to all those offering prayers and support during these challenging times.