SRI LANKA: Residence Visa Validity Increased to Five Years

Sri Lanka has officially increased the standard duration of their Employment and Dependent Residence Visas from the current two (2) years to five (5) years. Furthermore, the Sri Lankan officials will also have the authority to allow the extension of a Residence Visa with a duration of more than five (5) years and less than 10 years in certain circumstances.
Although the amended regulations (Section 14 of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No. 28 of 1940) have been approved, they are yet to be implemented. Further confirmation of the timeline for these changes is anticipated from the Sri Lankan authorities in the upcoming weeks.