March 10, Colombo (LNW): More than 26,000 expatriates, including workers and students living abroad, have submitted applications for new passports, according to Arun Hemachandra, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment.
The applications, which have been pending for nearly two years, were filed through Sri Lankan embassies and high commissions across the globe.
Deputy Minister Hemachandra acknowledged the significant challenges faced by these expatriates, particularly those whose passports have expired.
This issue has caused considerable inconvenience for both workers and students, disrupting their ability to carry out important activities, whether related to their employment or academic pursuits.
In response to the growing concerns, discussions have been initiated between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Employment, and the Department of Immigration and Emigration to find a prompt solution.
The government is working diligently to clear the backlog and address the issues surrounding the delayed passport renewals.
Hemachandra assured that steps will be taken to resolve the situation by the end of the month, though he also pointed out that the current administration cannot be held responsible for the crisis.
The Deputy Minister also urged the public to refrain from relying on intermediaries when applying for passports or seeking information about foreign employment opportunities. He stressed that going through authorised channels would ensure a smoother and more efficient process.
