The Sri Lankan government has said that there was an increase in the number of foreigners overstaying in the island country and authorities were in the process of identifying and arresting them.
Cabinet spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne told reporters in capital Colombo that due to the increase in the numbers, the government had decided to establish a centre to keep these overstaying foreigners till actions are taken to deport them from Sri Lanka.
“On a proposal made by the minister of public order, the cabinet has agreed to allocate 100 perches of land to the department of immigration and emigration for the establishment of a centre to keep the overstaying foreigners,” Senaratne said.
The centre is to be established close to the country’s Bandaranaike International Airport through which most of the Immigration and Emigration activities are taking place, the minister said.
Several foreigners have been arrested in the recent months for overstaying in the country with authorities claiming that they had been involved in trade and business activities despite holding a tourist visa.
Investigations have also revealed that some foreigners had been involved in illegal activities and had been detained for further investigations.
