Sri Lankan police arrested 21 foreign nationals for allegedly staying in the country without valid visas during a raid on the capital Colombo, reports said, citing the Sri Lankan Police Media Division. The arrested group comprised 12 Chinese nationals, six Bangladeshis and three Indians, it added.
The arrests were made on Monday night (November 2) when officers of the CCIB carried out an operation in the Maradana area in central Colombo. Police raided a building near Technical Junction after suspecting immigration violations at the premises.
The operation has grabbed attention as several foreign nationals from different countries were found staying at the location without valid visa documents. All 21 people have been taken into custody for further legal proceedings.
12 Chinese Nationals Among Those Arrested
Chinese nationals were the biggest group of people arrested according to police. Twelve Chinese citizens (two women) were detained in the operation.
Six Bangladeshis and three Indians were also part of the group. Police said the people were suspected to be living in Sri Lanka without valid visas.
However, authorities have not given details of the arrested people or how long they had been staying in the country. Nor have they said why they were at the building.
Police Raid Conducted in Maradana
The arrests were made during a raid near Technical Junction in Maradana, central Colombo, on Monday night. Officers of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau carried out the operation.
The police action is part of an effort to identify foreigners who might be violating Sri Lanka’s immigration rules. Visitors entering a country have to observe the conditions on their visas — for example, how long they can stay there and what activities are permitted.
Staying beyond the authorised period or remaining in a country without immigration documents can lead to legal action under the applicable immigration laws.
Suspects to Be Produced Before Court
The foreign nationals arrested were expected to be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (November 3) for further proceedings.
The courts will decide what happens next in the cases based on what the authorities have told them. Police haven’t said anything more about the people or what else might happen next.
The arrests at this stage are about visa breaches. No further criminal activity has been found in the information released about this raid.
Sri Lanka Steps Up Checks on Foreign Nationals
Sri Lanka has been the scene of several enforcement operations in recent months against foreigners suspected of breaching immigration rules. Raids have been conducted in different parts of the island to identify those staying illegally on visas or doing things that may breach the conditions of entry.
In some of the earlier cases foreign nationals were arrested when investigations into suspected cybercrime activities took place. But there is no official confirmation that the 21 people arrested in the latest Maradana operation were involved in such activities.
The latest arrests show how immigration requirements need to be complied with by foreign visitors, workers and residents in Sri Lanka.
For Indian citizens travelling to Sri Lanka, it is also a reminder that visa validity, permitted duration of stay and entry conditions need to be checked before and during the visit. Travellers should make sure their documents are valid and ask authorities if they need to extend their stay.
Further details of the investigation and court proceedings may be forthcoming as the case develops.
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