Islamabad- Rise in political asylum trend by Pakistanis have provoked Sri Lankan authorities to revoke “On Arrival Visa” facility for Pakistani nationals.

The massive rise in cases of political asylum seekers in Sri Lankan government has contacted Pakistan’s foreign office and has apprised about new policy for Pakistani nationals visiting the country. According to revised policy, the Pakistani nationals desiring to visit Sri Lanka would require a valid pre-departure visa. Sri Lanka has always been a close friend of Pakistan and both the countries had enjoyed close bilateral cooperation in defence and trade and Pakistan had also helped Sri Lanka in eliminating LTTE (separatist group in Sri Lanka) which resulted in peace in the country. Sri Lanka, among other SAARC countries, had been offering “On Arrival Visa” to promote people to people contacts.