He made the remarks amid mounting difficulties and concerns faced by Maldivians in obtaining visas to Sri Lanka.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’ on Thursday, Nasheed argued that removing border controls between the two countries would bring significant benefits to their citizens.
The former Maldivian leader described the move as necessary and said it would strengthen economic and social integration between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Nasheed further stated that eliminating visa requirements and work permit restrictions would boost trade and tourism, while reinforcing and deepening the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two nations.
His comments come as public concern continues to grow over the challenges Maldivians face when seeking visas for travel to Sri Lanka for various purposes.
Addressing the issue, Maldivian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Masood Imad said in an interview with ‘Daily News’ that the embassy has received numerous complaints over a prolonged period regarding visa-related difficulties. He noted that despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue, there has been little positive response from Sri Lankan authorities, adding that the treatment of Maldivians by Sri Lankan Immigration has been disheartening.
The Maldivian ambassador further explained that Maldivians are frequently required to wait in long queues at Sri Lankan Immigration offices from 9am to 5pm. He raised concerns over preferential treatment in visa issuance and said applicants are often pressured to process their visas through intermediaries or agents.
In his social media post, Nasheed reiterated his view that removing border controls between the Maldives and Sri Lanka would significantly benefit the populations of both countries by fostering closer economic and social ties. He emphasized that eliminating visa and work permit requirements would improve trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections, while promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.
