The Sri Lankan government recently announced its intention to introduce a visa waiver program for tourists from 38 countries. However, the implementation of this measure is proving more complex than expected, requiring a parliamentary approval before it can take effect.
The announcement context and obstacles to implementation
Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister, Ali Sabryhad initially stated that the Cabinet had authorized the President to introduce visa-free access for 38 nationalities. with immediate effect. This announcement followed a earlier decision to offer free 30-day visas from October 1, 2024 for a period of 6 months to citizens of 35 countries.
Despite this initial announcement suggesting immediate implementation, the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Allesclarified that the program could not be launched without parliamentary approval. This revelation underlines the complexity of the legislative and administrative processes required to change a country's immigration policies.
Minister Alles explained that a new official publication to implement the change requires parliamentary approval. This process is essential to guarantee the legality and legitimacy of any changes to the country's immigration policies.
Uncertain timing and impact on the tourism industry
The Sri Lankan Parliament will not meet again until the presidential election on September 21. This context creates uncertainty as to the precise date on which the program could be implemented.
Sri Lanka's tourism industry has complained about the long delays experienced by travelers on arrival in the country. In April, a foreign company was set up to provide visas on arrival, but this caused considerable problems, with travelers having to spend hours at immigration before being allowed into the country.
Until the new system is approved by Parliament and implemented, Minister Alles announced that the number of counters at the airport has been increased to reduce delays. However, restoring the previous system takes time.
It is now up to the Sri Lankan government to prepare an in-depth proposal to Parliament. This process is likely to involve drafting a bill or amending existing legislation, consulting stakeholders including the tourism industry and security specialists, presenting the draft to Parliament for debate and vote, and if approved, setting a timetable for implementation and training the staff concerned.
Minister Alles did not specify a timetable for obtaining parliamentary approval. This process will be swift, depending on a number of factors, such as the parliamentary agenda and the level of political consensus on the issue.
In the meantime, we'll have to wait and see for the tourism industry and potential travelers to see if and when this promising initiative comes to fruition.
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