Sri Lanka assures 90-day on-arrival visa for Maldives
Zameer said that Maldivian students and families studying and living in Sri Lanka are also facing difficulties in obtaining visas.
By
Ahmed Mizyal
Sri Lanka's Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has confirmed in writing to Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer that 90-day on-arrival visas will be issued to Maldivians.
Foreign Minister Zameer met Sri Lankan Public Security Minister Tiran on Thursday to discuss the difficulties in obtaining visas for Maldivians.
At the meeting held on Thursday morning, Minister Zameer mentioned the difficulties faced by Maldivians due to the recent change in the rules for issuing on-arrival visas.
The minister said that Maldivian students and families studying and living in Sri Lanka are also facing difficulties in obtaining visas.
Following the minister’s concerns, Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister Tiran confirmed in writing that Maldivians would be granted 90-day on-arrival visas without any hassle, in accordance with the visa facilitation agreement signed between the two countries.
Furthermore:
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He assured that an appropriate solution would be found for the annual visa fee payable by Maldivian students studying in Sri Lanka
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He said he would resolve the additional difficulties faced by Maldivians in obtaining visas and share that in writing as well soon
Minister Zameer returned to Maldives on Thursday evening after completing his visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry.
Sri Lanka has entrusted a private company with collecting fees before entering the country.
Earlier, those travelling to Sri Lanka from SAARC countries had to pay USD 25 as visa fee. Now, with the change in visa fees, you will have to pay USD 35. They will also have to pay additional fees along with 'hidden fees' through the new website.
However, Maldivians applying for a six-month standard visa will not have to pay this fee.
