Sri Lanka Tourism Ministry has ordered Russian and Ukrainian tourists to leave the country in two weeks, informing them that their visas have been terminated.
According to official data, over 288,000 Russians and almost 20,000 Ukrainian nationals are estimated to have travelled to the South Asian country between 2022 and 2024, which marks the beginning of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, VisaGuide.World reports.
In addition, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando pointed out that some Russian tourists are running unregistered businesses in the southern part of the country, prompting raids by the authorities of the Immigration Department to be conducted.
Unlawfully Russian-Run Businesses Facing Social Media Fury for Segregation Policies
Although the exact number of visitors who are overstaying their Sri Lanka Visa has not been confirmed, Russian and Ukrainian nationals cannot stay in the country any longer than March 8, 2024.
On top of extending their stay beyond the 30-day period that a tourist visa allows, these nationals are also suspected of running businesses during this period – an act that is not allowed for third-country nationals who are visiting Sri Lanka on a tourist visa.
The raids conducted by Immigration authorities followed a furious social media condemnation of Russian-run businesses, which allowed only white people to enter bars and restaurants, as well as water sports facilities and rental car services.
Immigration authorities also revealed that there have been reports of abuse of tourist visas by Russian and Ukrainian nationals running other unlawful businesses, including employing foreigners and violating local payment regulations, as Hindustan Times reports.
Sri Lanka President Hesitant on Ending Visas for Russians & Ukrainians Due to Bilateral Relations Concerns
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office issued a notice, communicating that an investigation into how the decision to ask Russian and Ukrainian nationals to leave had been made without a cabinet decision to revoke the previous extension of stay had been made.
According to the President’s Press Office, the government has not officially decided to end the visa extensions previously granted to these tourists.
Independent reports that the Southeast Asian island country introduced 30-day visas on arrival and extensions for up to six months in a national effort to attract more tourists and combat the 2022 economic crisis it experienced.
Digital Nomads Warned to Pick Their Destinations Carefully
Prompted by reports on Sri Lanka’s dilemma to end tourist visas for Russian and Ukrainian nationals, a Reddit user has warned digital nomads to be wary of how such sudden changes can impact their community.
The comment points out that Russian and Ukrainian digital nomads should start making arrangements, as other popular places for this community have been dealing with similar issues lately.
If you are currently in hotspots with an established Russian/Ukrainian community, such as Goa, Phuket, Bali, and more, you may see an influx of these nationalities in your location as they relocate (unclear how many are in Sri Lanka currently).
Some comments condemn the act of going to another country and starting a business unlawfully, and on top of that, excluding the locals from entering.
Another Reddit User pointed out that many Russians moved to Goa in India and have kicked the local native vendors off the beach and set up their own businesses, implying that such activities are often unauthorized.