In cases where individuals urgently require a foreign passport, they may visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the necessary supporting documents, according to the Acting Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, DMD Nilusha Balasuriya.
During a media briefing held today (04), Balasuriya explained that an independent committee has been set up within the department specifically to handle such urgent requests.
“Even if someone has an urgent need for a foreign passport, they are still required to go through our system and secure an appointment date. Once this date is confirmed, they can then present their case, along with relevant documents, to our department to expedite the process,” she stated.
Balasuriya emphasized that this committee will provide relief where possible for urgent cases. However, she also issued a firm warning: “As a state department, we are prepared to take immediate legal action against anyone who submits false or forged documents.”
Additionally, she disclosed that the department recently received a stock of 50,000 foreign passports, of which approximately 33,000 remain available.
Balasuriya noted that the department currently has the capacity to issue 1,200 foreign passports per day through same-day service, both at the head office and across regional offices island-wide. She assured that further measures are being taken to address the current situation and improve service delivery.
