The Sri Lankan government has asked Russian and Ukrainian to leave the country by March 7 or apply for fresh visas, as it announced it would not renew a free visa extension program. The decision came amidst backlash on social media over a party that was organised by Russians on the island, which reportedly barred locals and adopted a “whites only” policy.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles confirmed to the Daily Mirror that Russian and Ukrainian that has the free visa facility granted to them must comply with immigration regulations by applying for fresh visas, as the scheme would come to an end.
The news follows a circular issued by the Immigration Department to the Tourism Ministry Secretary, requesting him to notify long-term Ukrainian and Russian tourists living in Sri Lanka to leave by March 7. Following the conflict in the region and Sri Lanka desperate to attract tourists, Colombo announced free long-term tourist visa extensions.
Nearly 200,000 Russians and 5,000 Ukrainians visited the country last year, according to Sri Lanka's tourism department. Visitors included those attempting to avoid drafts in Ukraine and Russia, and at least one Russian oligarch at risk of Western sanctions.
Whilst Sri Lanka’s Tourist Development Authority states an estimated 300 to 400 Russians and Ukrainians have been staying in Sri Lanka since February 2022, the true number may run in the thousands.
The latest Sri Lankan notice however faced pushback from the country’s president Ranil Wickremesinghe, who reportedly ordered an investigation into the circular saying that visas could not be cancelled without cabinet approval.
“The Govt hasn’t officially decided to revoke visa extensions previously granted to these tourists,” his office said Sunday on X.
President @RW_UNP ordered an investigation into the notification issued to Russian & Ukrainian tourists, without prior Cabinet approval, requiring them to leave within 14 days.
The Govt hasn't officially decided to revoke visa extensions previously granted to these tourists. pic.twitter.com/PABJuyuwYf
— President's Media Division of Sri Lanka - PMD (@PMDNewsGov) February 25, 2024
Sri Lanka has sought to maintain close ties with Russia, even as Moscow faced condemnation globally for its invasion of Ukraine.
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