By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
More than 26,000 Sri Lankan expatriates, including migrant workers and students, are stuck in limbo as their passport applications remain unprocessed for nearly two years, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra.
These pending applications, submitted through Sri Lankan embassies and high commissions abroad, have caused severe hardships for many, with expired passports disrupting their jobs and studies.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Employment, and the Department of Immigration and Emigration have held discussions to fast-track a solution. Authorities have assured that significant progress will be made by the end of the month.
However, Deputy Minister Hemachandra made it clear that the current government is not responsible for the backlog.
Meanwhile, he strongly urged the public not to rely on intermediaries when applying for passports or seeking foreign employment opportunities.
