The Maldives’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Masood Imad, has raised concerns over the treatment of its citizens by Sri Lanka’s immigration authorities, with the possibility of revising visa policies for Sri Lankan visitors if the situation continues.
In an interview given by the ambassador to Sri Lanka’s Daily News, the Maldives’ Ambassador to Sri Lanka highlighted what he described as a pattern of differential treatment based on skin colour. Maldivian citizens are reportedly treated less favourably than visitors with fair skin, facing lengthy queues and additional scrutiny. Students and their parents applying individually often experience extended delays and, in some cases, harsh treatment from officials.
By contrast, visas processed through travel agents are reportedly issued immediately. This discrepancy has prompted questions about fairness and transparency in the visa issuance process.
Ambassador Masood also highlighted instances of Maldivian citizens being reprimanded or subjected to harsh treatment during visa procedures. Recent incidents include a senior Maldivian Customs officer who faced questioning while visiting Sri Lanka for leisure. Such occurrences are said to have affected perceptions of Sri Lanka as a preferred destination for Maldivians seeking education, healthcare, or tourism.
According to the ambassador, the number of Maldivians travelling to Sri Lanka has declined sharply, from around 8,000 to 1,500, with many students now pursuing education in South India, which offers scholarships and a broader range of academic opportunities.
The Maldives continues to extend visa durations for students from six months to one year. However, these visas require screening by Sri Lanka’s Special Investigations Service for security concerns, reportedly linked to the Easter Sunday attacks. The Maldivian government has sought clarification from Sri Lankan authorities on its designation as a country of security concern but is awaiting a formal response.
The Maldivian government has emphasised its longstanding cooperation with Sri Lanka, noting that Maldivian fishing vessels do not infringe on Sri Lankan waters, while Sri Lankan fishing vessels operating in Maldivian waters are fined and deported without diplomatic escalation.
He stated that the authorities in the Maldives will be forced to revise the visa policy concerning Sri Lankan migrant workers in the nation, should the unfavourable treatment of Maldivian citizens persist.
