Sri Lanka Ends Long-Stay Visa For Ukrainians And Russians - Here's Why

According to officials, thousands of Russians and Ukrainians living in Sri Lanka on lapsed extended visas due to the Ukraine war have been asked to leave within two weeks.

The decision was made amid a backlash on social media over Russian-run businesses operating illegally and enforcing a "whites only" policy with no locals permitted.

Why Sri Lanka has scrapped Russians' Long-Stay Visa?

Immigration authorities have issued a notice to Sri Lanka's Tourism Ministry, stating that Russian and Ukrainian tourists should depart the island nation within two weeks beginning February 23, as their visas have expired. The Sri Lankan Tourism Ministry stated that they received complaints about Russians and Ukrainians overstaying in the country, setting up businesses, employing foreigners, and using payment methods that bypass local systems.

Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Harin Fernando mentioned receiving complaints about some Russians running illegal businesses in the southern part of the country. Raids were reportedly conducted after consultations with the immigration department. However, a notice from President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office ordered a probe into the decision to ask Ukrainians and Russians to leave without Cabinet approval.

The Sri Lankan government has officially not decided to revoke the visa extensions granted to Ukrainian and Russian tourists, according to the President's Media division. Sri Lanka, recovering from its worst financial crisis since 2022, initiated the granting of 30-day visas on arrival and extensions for tourists for up to six months to revive the tourism sector.

Thousands of Russian and Ukrainian tourists were allowed to stay in Sri Lanka following the war between the two European countries in February 2022. Nearly 300,000 Russians and 20,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the island nation since then, based on official data.

However, the official number of Russians and Ukrainians staying in Sri Lanka on extended visas was not available. Authorities attribute the decision to allow them to stay longer to a shortage of flights.

Implications Of Sri Lanka's Tourist Policy Shift

The cessation of long-term tourist visa extensions for Russians and Ukrainians in Sri Lanka is underscored by the interplay between global conflicts, migration, and economic recovery. As these individuals are prepared to leave, contemplation on the broader implications of this policy shift for Sri Lanka's economic landscape and its position within the global community is warranted.

The move, while grounded in the immediate need to address economic challenges, finds resonance with the ongoing discourse on migration, asylum, and the responsibilities of nations amidst geopolitical crises. As Sri Lanka continues to mend its economic fabric, the outcomes of such policy decisions will undoubtedly contribute to the evolving narrative of resilience and recovery in the face of adversity.