WEAK IMMIGRATION LAWS

POSE A THREAT TO SRI LANKA'S FREE VISA POLICY FOR FOREIGNERS

- By JAMILA HUSAIN

In the wake of the poor enforcement of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act, concerns are being raised whether the government's attempt to open the country for free visa entry for nationals from 40 more countries will encourage unlawful foreign owned businesses here further.

Sri Lanka is currently grappling with the issue of foreigners, especially Israeli nationals, who arrive here under the tourist visa category, running business activities such as guest houses, clubs, surfing, pubs and taxi services in cohort with their local partners.

The immigration authorities are under fire for not being able to curb such activities.