Harin plays it safe

pic by pradeep pathirana 

• attributes higher charge for a multiple -entry visa for a six-month period

By Shehan Daniel  

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando attempted to play down the controversy surrounding the high visa charges incurred by tourists arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport earlier this week, adding that a fresh gazette with revised fees will be issued next week.  

The controversy stemmed from a video that circulated on social media earlier this week, where it alleged that an additional cost was being charged by a private service provider, VFS Global, to whom the issuing of on-arrival visas had been outsourced to.  

Minister Fernando attributed this higher charge to the site of the service provider offering an option for a multiple-entry visa for a six-month period and not the cheaper single-entry three-month visa.  

“It had to be brought for Cabinet approval again, and a fresh gazette will be issued when Parliament convenes next week,” Fernando said, though adding that issues related to immigration were not in his remit as Minister of Tourism.  

He also debunked claims that the controversy over the visa charges had led to a dip in tourism in the month of April.  

“I admit there has been a drop due to the visa uncertainty, but it was not the only factor,” Fernando said.  
“I am of the opinion that we should issue visas free-of-charge, but a visa facilitation charge from the service provider will have to be incurred,” Fernando said, though stating that it was not within his remit to discuss why this service was outsourced to VFS Global.