IntelScoops

Colombo –

Sri Lankan immigration authorities have detained 155 Indian nationals working in the country’s IT sector for violating visa regulations by overstaying their permitted duration of stay. The individuals were apprehended during a targeted operation by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

According to officials, the detainees were employed at a private technology firm without valid work permits. Many had entered the country on tourist or visit visas and continued to reside and work illegally after their visas had expired.

The Sri Lankan government has confirmed that at least 22 of the detained individuals are being prepared for deportation. The remaining cases are under review, with authorities coordinating with the Indian High Commission in Colombo to verify identities and arrange repatriation logistics.

This incident marks one of the largest group arrests related to immigration violations involving foreign nationals in recent years. Officials emphasized that visa overstays, especially when linked to unauthorized employment, are treated as serious offenses under Sri Lankan law.

Immigration authorities further stated that the crackdown is part of broader efforts to uphold immigration integrity and prevent misuse of short-term visas. Employers are also under scrutiny for potentially hiring foreign workers without proper authorization.

The Indian government has acknowledged the arrests and is offering consular assistance to those affected. It has also reminded Indian citizens traveling abroad to strictly adhere to local visa and employment regulations.

Sri Lanka has seen a rise in foreign professionals entering on temporary visas in recent years, particularly in the technology and services sectors. Authorities have warned that failure to comply with immigration laws may result in penalties, detention, deportation, and long-term bans on re-entry.