An Indian man was among 50 foreign nationals arrested in Sri Lanka for overstaying their visas, according to media reports published on Wednesday. The arrests took place on Tuesday in Negombo, a well-known tourist destination located close to the capital, Colombo. Authorities conducted a coordinated operation at a residence in the area, where all 50 individuals were found staying beyond the permitted duration of their visas, news portal srilankamirror.com reported.
Among those detained were 47 Chinese nationals, two Malaysian nationals and one Indian national. The group had reportedly entered Sri Lanka on business visas but failed to leave the country after their authorised stay expired, thereby violating immigration regulations.
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Officials from the Investigation Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration carried out the operation as part of ongoing efforts to monitor visa compliance and address illegal stays by foreign nationals. Authorities said the individuals had been residing in the country unlawfully for an extended period after their visas lapsed.
The detainees are expected to face further legal and administrative action in accordance with Sri Lanka’s immigration laws. Such actions may include fines, detention, and eventual deportation to their respective countries. Officials also indicated that investigations are underway to determine whether there were any organised networks or facilitators involved in enabling the prolonged illegal stay of the group.
Sri Lankan authorities have in recent months stepped up enforcement measures targeting visa violations, particularly in areas popular with foreign visitors and business travelers, as part of broader efforts to regulate immigration and ensure compliance with national laws.
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