Processing time for Indian visas hits Lankan businessmen - FCCISL Chief

The lead time of two weeks to process a visa at the Indian High Commission has caused immense hardships to the business community.

The Indian High Commission takes 14 days to process a visa while Sri Lanka gives visas on arrival for passengers from the SAARC region.

Therefore, it is nothing but right to have a reciprocal agreement so that Sri Lankans too can get the visa quickly, said President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka(FCCISL) Nawaz Rajabdeen.

He said that there should be a reciprocal agreement or else the FCCISL will lobby against the CEPA being signed.

India and Sri Lanka have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) but since this move restricts the movement of people promoting trade between the two countries is hampered.

He said, "signing an FTA is meaningless if the movement of people is restricted." Not only the business community but also persons needing urgent medical attention as well as pilgrims and tourists are facing hardships due to this move.

A person who needs urgent medical care too will have to follow the same procedure to obtain a visa, said Rajabdeen.

Although any Indian can come and start a business in Sri Lanka, businessmen from Sri Lanka cannot go and open a business in India. They have to get the approval of the Reserve Bank of India where they will check the balance sheet, how it is financed, credentials and many other details, said another source.

According to statistics India has issued 5,000 work permits to Sri Lankans while more than 60,000 Indians work in Sri Lanka with or without visas, said Rajabdeen.

Since the visa processing has restricted the movement of people it will paralyse the aviation industry. Therefore, the FCCISL is very disappointed at the way Sri Lankans are being treated despite being neighbours. SG