• Two-week free visa extension, staying facilities - Hotlines - TDA 1912; FEB 1989 
• No injuries to Lankans in UAE  
• BIA-ME flight cancellations continue 

In view of the unrest that has arisen in the Middle East and the Gulf region, the Government launched a series of special operations to look into the safety and welfare of foreign tourists currently in Sri Lanka, as well as to ensure the protection and well-being of Sri Lankan migrant workers overseas.

These decisions were taken at a special discussion held on 1 March at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of the Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe and the President’s Secretary Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, the President’s Media Division said. 

Having considered the practical difficulties faced by tourists currently in the country, the Government has decided to grant a free two-week (14-day) extension of their visa validity. Cabinet of Ministers Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that due to flight restrictions caused by the Middle East conflict, the visa validity period for foreigners stranded in the country will be extended by two weeks. 

He made this announcement during a press briefing at the Government Information Department. He further emphasised that no fees will be charged for this visa extension. He further noted the Government would consider extending this period further, considering the evolving situation. 

“Due to the cancellation of Middle East bound flights effective from 28 February, passengers who are unable to depart Sri Lanka within the validity period of their visas may face difficulties. In order to facilitate such passengers, The Immigration and Emigration Department has decided to grant a free 14-day visa extension to enable them to remain in the country legally until alternative departure arrangements are made. The visa extensions will be granted for 14 days from the date of expiry of the current visa and will be issued on a case by case basis, subject to the verification of the relevant circumstances. 

Passengers are required to provide proof of their inability to depart due to flight cancellations, such as boarding passes, flight cancellation notices, or airline confirmations. The visa extension may be obtained at the Airport Immigration office at the time of their departure,” the Department release read. It was also decided to formulate an urgent action plan, in coordination with the relevant diplomatic missions through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, to provide necessary facilities for tourists staying in Sri Lanka and to ensure their safety and welfare. 

In addition, taking into account the disruptions caused by the closure of airspace in several countries in the Middle East, it was decided the Ministry, in coordination with airlines, will explore the possibility of facilitating tourists’ return to their home countries through alternative flight routes. It was also decided to hold discussions with the relevant stakeholders on alternative travel routes to ensure that tourists intending to visit Sri Lanka are able to arrive without disruption, and to make necessary arrangements to facilitate their travel. 

All flights from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake to the Middle East scheduled for 1 March were cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on 28 February, a total of 115 flights between Sri Lanka and Middle Eastern countries have been cancelled, Airport authorities said. 

The SriLankan Airlines had announced that due to the continued closure of airspace in certain parts of the Middle East, the SriLankan Airlines flights scheduled to operate yesterday (2) had been cancelled. Accordingly, the following flights were cancelled: Colombo to Dubai/Doha/Dammam/Riyadh/Kuwait and vice versa. A flight operated by the Oman-based SalamAir landed in Sri Lanka early yesterday morning, the Civil Aviation Authority Director General, Captain Daminda Rambukwella stated. The flight had subsequently returned to Oman, following an operational decision by the airline, Rambukwella noted. 

To support tourists and migrant workers, the Government has established 24-hour operational services through several State institutions: the Tourism Development Authority (TDA - a special unit has been established for tourists currently staying in the country, and any issues may be reported through the 1912 hotline), and the Foreign Employment Bureau (FEB - a special operations centre to provide information and support to Sri Lankan migrant workers overseas, accessible via the 1989 hotline). 

In addition, the Ministry has coordinated with all Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in the Middle East and Gulf region to establish an integrated mechanism. All missions, together with the Bureau, are on standby to respond promptly in emergencies and to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan migrant workers. Further, the Ministry has issued a set of emergency contact numbers for Sri Lankans in light of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Accordingly, Sri Lankans residing in the Middle East can obtain information by using the contact details of the missions/posts.

Meanwhile, no injuries or casualties involving Sri Lankans in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been reported thus far, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the UAE, Arusha Cooray has stated. The Defence Ministry of the UAE stated on 1 March that civilian casualties were reported following recent missile and drone attacks linked to Iran. One or more Sri Lankan nationals were believed to be among those who sustained minor injuries during the incidents. A total of 58 people sustained minor injuries. 

Those injured reportedly include nationals of Sri Lanka. Debris fell on various parts of the country as a result of air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles and drones, leading to minor to moderate material damage to several civilian properties. Reaffirming its preparedness, the Ministry stated that it remains fully ready to address any threats and emphasised that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority. Twenty-one drones struck civilian targets. A total of 35 Iranian drones fell within the country, causing material damage. However, Cooray has now confirmed that no Sri Lankans have sustained injuries in recent attacks.