Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, met with Sri Lankan Minister of Public Security, Tiran Ales, to discuss and resolve the challenges faced by Maldivians in obtaining visas for living and traveling to Sri Lanka. This meeting was part of Minister Zameer’s official visit to Sri Lanka, which began on June 3 and concluded today.
During the discussions, Foreign Minister Zameer highlighted the difficulties encountered by Maldivians due to recent changes in the on-arrival visa rules. He specifically pointed out the impact on Maldivian students and their families, who have been struggling to secure visas under the new regulations. Minister Zameer urged for an immediate solution to these issues.
In response, Minister Ales reassured that Maldivians would continue to receive a 90-day on-arrival visa as stipulated in the visa facilitation agreement between the two countries. This adjustment aims to ease the process and eliminate the recent inconveniences. Additionally, Minister Ales promised to address the concerns regarding the annual visa fees for Maldivian students studying in Sri Lanka.
Further, Minister Ales committed to resolving other visa-related challenges faced by Maldivians in Sri Lanka and pledged cooperation to facilitate smoother travel and residency processes.
Minister Zameer’s visit to Sri Lanka was upon the invitation of Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, M.U.M. Ali Sabry. During his stay, he also met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to discuss enhancing the long-standing bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The talks covered various areas of mutual cooperation.
Apart from his meetings with top government officials, Minister Zameer engaged with senior Sri Lankan officials, business leaders, and the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka. His visit aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties and address the concerns of Maldivians abroad, ensuring their well-being and smooth integration into Sri Lankan society.
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer is set to concluded his visit and return to the Maldives later today.
During the discussions, Foreign Minister Zameer highlighted the difficulties encountered by Maldivians due to recent changes in the on-arrival visa rules. He specifically pointed out the impact on Maldivian students and their families, who have been struggling to secure visas under the new regulations. Minister Zameer urged for an immediate solution to these issues.
In response, Minister Ales reassured that Maldivians would continue to receive a 90-day on-arrival visa as stipulated in the visa facilitation agreement between the two countries. This adjustment aims to ease the process and eliminate the recent inconveniences. Additionally, Minister Ales promised to address the concerns regarding the annual visa fees for Maldivian students studying in Sri Lanka.
Further, Minister Ales committed to resolving other visa-related challenges faced by Maldivians in Sri Lanka and pledged cooperation to facilitate smoother travel and residency processes.
I had a very productive meeting with the Minister of Public security, Hon. @TiranAlles.
— Moosa Zameer (@MoosaZameer) June 6, 2024
I expressed my gratitude to the Minister for his commitment to resolving the visa challenges that the Maldivians face due to the recent changes to #SriLanka's visa policy. pic.twitter.com/wbCOftm1JO
Minister Zameer’s visit to Sri Lanka was upon the invitation of Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, M.U.M. Ali Sabry. During his stay, he also met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to discuss enhancing the long-standing bilateral relations between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The talks covered various areas of mutual cooperation.
Apart from his meetings with top government officials, Minister Zameer engaged with senior Sri Lankan officials, business leaders, and the Maldivian community residing in Sri Lanka. His visit aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties and address the concerns of Maldivians abroad, ensuring their well-being and smooth integration into Sri Lankan society.
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer is set to concluded his visit and return to the Maldives later today.
