Vanda SvobodovaIn a startling development, Sri Lanka’s Immigration Office has mandated more than 288,000 Russians and nearly 20,000 Ukrainians to exit the country. This directive comes in the wake of restored flight connections between Russia and Sri Lanka, alongside the facilitation for Ukrainians to return home seamlessly. The decision, initially aimed at aiding those stranded due to the cessation of flights amid the Russian aggression in Ukraine, has now taken a dramatic turn, signaling a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s immigration policy.
A Sudden Reversal
The General Commissioner for Immigration announced that the situation regarding departures has normalized, leading to the government’s decision not to extend the previously issued visas. This affects a substantial number of Russians and Ukrainians who had arrived in the country since the onset of the invasion, as reported by The Independent. However, precise figures on those still in the country remain unclear.
Presidential Scrutiny
The office of President Ranil Wikremesinghe has called for a review of this decision, which was communicated to the Ministry of Tourism earlier this month. The immigration office’s directive requires Russians and Ukrainians to leave Sri Lanka within 14 days from February 23, as per reports from a Sri Lankan newspaper.
Potential for Conflict
This directive is linked to growing concerns over thousands of Russians residing in Sri Lanka for extended periods and even establishing their own restaurants and nightclubs. The Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, has noted complaints regarding some Russian tourists operating unregistered and illegal businesses in the southern part of the country, prompting several raids in collaboration with the immigration department.
Broader Issues
The Daily Mirror also highlighted similar issues with Ukrainian and Israeli tourists, which hinder local entrepreneurship. Local tour operators have claimed that most Ukrainian tourists organize tours in the south of Sri Lanka, an activity deemed illegal due to the lack of a proper guiding license.
Community Tensions
Local citizens in the south have warned that without immediate enforcement of a control process, conflicts between tourists and locals could escalate. Tourists are accused of obstructing local businesses and complicating livelihoods, raising the specter of increased tensions in these communities.
Sri Lanka’s decision to order a significant number of Russians and Ukrainians to leave the country marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s immigration policy. As the government deliberates on the immigration office’s directive, the international community watches closely. This move not only impacts the individuals and families involved but also signals broader implications for Sri Lanka’s stance on immigration and its relations with foreign nationals residing within its borders.
