In a bid to attract foreign remittances through legal channels, the previous government introduced a program enabling overseas workers to import electric vehicles. However, an audit has uncovered significant irregularities in the initiative.
The National Audit Office, which conducted the investigation, has submitted its report to Parliament. The findings have led to a recommendation that all licenses issued under the program be revoked, with the concerned parties duly informed.
Furthermore, the Audit Office has advised disciplinary action against officials who granted vehicle import licenses in violation of Cabinet-approved guidelines.
The audit focused on licenses issued between September 22, 2020, and June 30, 2023. During this period, the tax exemption on vehicle imports under the program was raised from Rs. 6 million to Rs. 12 million. The report reveals that this increase led to a loss of Rs. 1,380 million to the government, stemming from the import of 510 vehicles under the tax exemption.
Additionally, six of these vehicles were transferred to third parties, causing a further tax loss of Rs. 1,280 million.
The findings highlight significant lapses in oversight and have raised concerns about the effectiveness and accountability of the program’s implementation.
