Public Security Minister Tiran Alles reiterated today that VFS Global, the foreign company tasked with managing on-arrival visas for Sri Lanka at BIA, will continue its operations for at least 12 years, despite widespread criticism over the contract award.
Addressing a press conference on the issue, Minister Alles explained that the decision to transfer the visa system to VFS Global was approved without debate in Parliament on November 23 last year, following Cabinet approval.
"The government's decision to introduce multiple visa categories stemmed from the need to move beyond the previous 30-day single arrival visa. We introduced several new visa categories," the minister stated.
Although the 30-day visa's fee was set at USD 50, it was not included in the official documents, delaying its implementation. Minister Alles confirmed that the USD 50 rate for a 30-day visa will be enforced starting Tuesday (7).
Under the new system, a single-entry 30-day visa will cost USD 50, and a double-entry six-month visa will be priced at USD 75.
Minister Alles clarified that while visa fee adjustments were part of the approved proposals, they faced implementation challenges through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Consequently, the change was delayed until April 17, when it was implemented through the VFS system.
Attributing the chaos at BIA on Wednesday night (01) to "corrupt officials" within the Immigration department, the minister pledged action against those responsible for the disruption and disturbance.
Contrary to allegations that Indians were managing visa counters, Minister Alles clarified that 13 Sri Lankans manned the counters on the incident day, emphasizing that VFS Global, though not an Indian company, only verifies documentation while final approval rests with Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration authorities.
Addressing concerns about local companies not being considered for the task, Minister Alles pointed out that the Cabinet had approved a change in the visa issuance system for two local companies over four years, but they failed to implement it. He defended not calling for tenders, citing VFS Global's comprehensive proposal and capabilities.
