Sri Lanka ends visas for hundreds of thousands of Russians staying there to avoid war

[Social Media]

 

In a significant move, Sri Lanka has told hundreds of thousands of Russians and some Ukrainians staying in the country to escape the ongoing war must depart within the next two weeks. The decision, issued by the immigration controller, marks a departure from the previous policy of granting extensions to tourists amidst normalized flight operations.

 

The directive affects a substantial number of individuals, with over 288,000 Russians and nearly 20,000 Ukrainians having sought refuge in Sri Lanka over the past two years. However, the decision has not been without controversy. President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office has launched an investigation into the issuance of the notice to the tourism ministry, citing a lack of prior cabinet approval and an absence of an official decision to revoke visa extensions.

 

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the number of visitors who have overstayed their welcome, concerns have emerged regarding the proliferation of unregistered and illegal businesses run by some Russian tourists, particularly in the southern region of the country. Reports of these establishments, including restaurants and nightclubs, implementing a "whites only" policy have sparked outrage on social media and prompted raids by authorities in collaboration with the Immigration Department.

 

The backlash against Russian-run businesses underscores broader tensions exacerbated by Sri Lanka's efforts to revitalize its tourism sector in the aftermath of its severe economic crisis. The nation's default on its $46 billion foreign debt in April 2022 triggered a wave of protests and led to the resignation of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. In response, Sri Lanka introduced measures such as 30-day visas on arrival and extensions of up to six months to attract tourists.

 

However, the unintended consequences of these initiatives, including the influx of long-term visitors engaging in unauthorized economic activities, have complicated the government's efforts to navigate its economic recovery. As Sri Lanka grapples with the aftermath of its financial turmoil and the challenges posed by the ongoing global conflict, the management of its tourism sector and visa policies remains a contentious issue with far-reaching implications.

 

28.02.24

Source

 

[Celsius]

flights to Thailand are cheap.

[Tug]

Get ready Phuket the little green men are on the way!

[garzhe]

Welcome to Pattayagrad

[Bkk Brian]

Yep a Russian...........lol

 

Organiser of 'white party' in Sri Lanka apologises after backlash

The event's advertisement specified a white dress code, but also had a line saying "Face control: White" - which was largely interpreted to mean the event was open only to white people. 

The organiser as well as the owners of Sarayka Lounge are believed to be Russian citizens.

Rupasena Koswatta, president of an Unawatuna entrepreneurs' association told BBC Sinhala many Russians have moved into Unawatuna, a coastal city just 5km (3.1mi) from Galle, in the last two years.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68421131

[topt]

Just in time for the supposed wind down to the low season..........

[zhounan]

What they thought when they decided to go to Sri Lanka?

[mfd101]

Golly, who'ld have thought anything could go wrong?

 

And so many bills to pay!

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

In a significant move, Sri Lanka has told hundreds of thousands of Russians and some Ukrainians staying in the country to escape the ongoing war must depart within the next two weeks. The decision, issued by the immigration controller, marks a departure from the previous policy of granting extensions to tourists amidst normalized flight operations.

Latest news from TAT, surge in Russians due in the next two weeks.

[rct99q]

I am always fascinated by certain Nationalities who seem to believe they can just travel to a country and set up shop. Seems people from Russia, India, China, gather up blocks of people and take over regions of certain countries. Rules be damned. You don't see thousands of Canadians setting up shop selling Maple Syrup or Poutine. Or those pesky Mexicans with their tomale stands. 

[Chomper Higgot]

Wongamat brace yourself.

[brianthainess]

13 hours ago, Social Media said:

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the number of visitors who have overstayed their welcome, concerns have emerged regarding the proliferation of unregistered and illegal businesses run by some Russian tourists,

The Thai government should sit up and take notice of this, but they are in denial that, that is happening here, it's all about the money. 

[Kinok Farang]

UK will take them in.

They might as well as they take in the rest of the worlds dross.

[Jingthing]

1 hour ago, brianthainess said:

The Thai government should sit up and take notice of this, but they are in denial that, that is happening here, it's all about the money. 

Not in denial.

They like it.

 

[Dolf]

4 hours ago, brianthainess said:

The Thai government should sit up and take notice of this, but they are in denial that, that is happening here, it's all about the money. 

If it was about money why does Thailand have confusing visa laws?