The ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka’s business visa issuance is jeopardizing the nation’s economic recovery, as foreign buyers, suppliers, and technical experts struggle to obtain the necessary visas to enter the country, according to a statement from the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).
The Department of Immigration has failed to re-activate the online visa system after a court order on a controversial deal with IVS-VFS Global. While tourist visas are currently available on arrival, there is no facility for issuing business visas through this channel, creating a significant barrier for foreign business visitors.
JAAF Secretary General Yohan Lawrence emphasized the critical nature of the issue, stating, “Sri Lankan enterprises are at a crucial stage in their recovery efforts. The government must take all possible measures to facilitate the movement of not just goods but also personnel. Business travelers often have specific needs, such as carrying samples and documents, which are essential for their operations.”
The lack of a proper business visa issuance system has made it increasingly difficult for key international partners to visit Sri Lanka, impacting sectors like apparel and manufacturing that rely heavily on global engagement for exports and business expansion.
In response to this growing problem, JAAF has called on the government to authorize Sri Lankan embassies overseas to issue short-term, single-entry business visas as an interim solution. This measure, JAAF argues, would help ensure that legitimate business visitors can enter the country legally, preventing further disruption to trade and industry.
The apparel industry body warns that without swift action, the ongoing visa issues could undermine confidence in Sri Lanka as a business-friendly destination and stall the country’s economic recovery efforts.