Sri Lanka: Permanent Residence Scheme Forthcoming for Individuals of Sri Lankan Descent
July 23, 2024
The Sri Lankan government has announced a new permanent residency scheme that will allow individuals of Sri Lankan descent and their dependents to obtain a Permanent Residence Visa in Sri Lanka. Once it comes into effect, the following individuals will qualify for this new scheme: a person of Sri Lankan descent or whose citizenship of Sri Lanka has ceased under the law; a non-Sri Lankan spouse of a Sri Lankan citizen who has been married for more than six months at the time of filing; a non-Sri Lankan spouse of a deceased Sri Lankan citizen who has not remarried at the time of filing and whose marriage subsisted for more than six months before the death of the Sri Lankan citizen; a non-Sri Lankan spouse of the person with Sri Lankan descent, who has been married for more than six months at the time of filing; and a child under the age of 22 of any qualified individual mentioned. Holders of the Permanent Residence Visa will be allowed to enter, stay, and work in Sri Lanka; engage in business and commercial activities while in the country; inherit, transfer, or sell any property in Sri Lanka; and access education, health, and other public services. The government has introduced this visa to offer a pathway to permanent residency for individuals of Sri Lankan descent and their dependents who are ineligible for dual citizenship. The application costs will be from USD 400 to USD 1,000. The implementation date and filing details have yet to be announced. Fragomen will report on further developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.
Media mentions
Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.
Podcast
Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.
Media mentions
Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.
Video
Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.
Media mentions
Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.
Media mentions
Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.
Video
In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.
Media mentions
Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.
Podcast
Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.
Media mentions
Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.