A total of 21 Indian nationals have been detained by Sri Lankan authorities for operating a computer-operated business while on tourist visas, a violation of relaxed visa norms, officials revealed on Wednesday.
The individuals, aged between 24 and 25, were apprehended in the popular western coast resort town of Negombo, where they were found conducting business activities from a rented house, according to a senior immigration officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Following a preliminary inquiry, authorities raided the residence and discovered the unauthorized business operations. The nature of their business, however, has yet to be fully determined.
Subsequently, removal notices have been served to the detainees, who have been transferred to the Welisara detention center. They will be deported once investigations are concluded, the official stated.
Under Sri Lankan law, individuals visiting the country on tourist visas are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of paid or unpaid work.
The Indian nationals had taken advantage of the free visa provision extended by Sri Lanka to certain countries until March 31 as part of an initiative to boost tourism in the financially strained nation. They had arrived in Sri Lanka between February and March on tourist visas, as reported by the Daily Mirror newspaper.
Immigration authorities have acknowledged receiving numerous complaints about tourists from Russia and Ukraine similarly conducting business activities while on tourist visas.
India is a key source of inbound tourism for Sri Lanka, with Indian tourists comprising a significant portion of visitor arrivals. In February, India ranked second in terms of tourist arrivals, surpassed only by arrivals from the Russian Federation.
Sri Lanka currently offers a free visa scheme to tourists from several countries including India, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.
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