Sri Lanka government orders audit of visa outsourcing contract involving Indian firms and Dubai-based company
- In Reports
- 03:01 PM, Sep 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
The newly elected Sri Lankan government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has taken decisive action by launching a forensic audit into a controversial visa outsourcing contract involving Indian firms and a Dubai-based company. This audit comes amid growing concerns and allegations of irregularities surrounding the on-arrival visa system for tourists visiting the country.
Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath announced that the forensic audit will focus on Indian companies GBS Technology and IVS Global FZCO, as well as VFS Global. These companies were awarded a multimillion-dollar contract in April to serve as technology partners for processing visa applications from foreigners entering Sri Lanka. Minister Herath stated, “We have initiated an immediate forensic audit to investigate irregularities,” highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The situation escalated further when the Supreme Court ordered the remand of Harsha Ilukpitiya, the Controller of Immigration and Emigration, for contempt of court. Ilukpitiya faced charges for failing to implement an apex court order concerning the ongoing dispute over the on-arrival electronic tourist visa system, which has been a topic of contention among various stakeholders.
Minister Herath emphasised that starting Thursday night, airport immigration authorities would revert to using the previous visa processing system that was in place before mid-April. “The visa facility provided by VFS Global had caused significant difficulties for many travellers,” he added, acknowledging the frustration experienced by tourists and other stakeholders.
The Supreme Court was addressing a fundamental rights petition filed by opposition politicians, who characterised the outsourced visa operation as a scam and urged for its immediate suspension. Under the terms of the outsourcing agreement, all foreigners entering Sri Lanka were required to pay USD 25 for their visa applications to be processed, even those from countries that typically enjoy visa-free travel arrangements with Sri Lanka.
In July, the Supreme Court ordered the immigration controller to halt the outsourced visa operation and revert to the previous system, reflecting the judiciary’s concerns over the legality and fairness of the arrangement. This latest move by the government underscores its commitment to ensuring that the visa process is fair, efficient, and in line with the needs of both the nation and its visitors. The outcome of the forensic audit will likely be closely monitored as it could lead to significant changes in how Sri Lanka manages its visa processes in the future.
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