12 foreigners arrested for abusing and overstaying visa

The Immigration and Emigration Department flying squad arrested 12 foreigners overstaying in the south after the expiry of their visas and carrying on business. Investigations revealed that the suspects had been living in rented houses in Meddewatte, SK Town, Polhena, Madiha, Mirissa, Weligama and Ahangama in the Matara District.

Officials said Czechs, German, Italian and Russian tourists were among the suspects taken into custody.

The foreigners concerned, who rented houses at cheap rates, had training in skiing, and Yoga and were serving as tour guides to make a living.

The business community in the area had complained that all profits accrued had been sent through the internet to their home countries, causing heavy losses to Sri Lanka.

A senior official of the Department of Immigration and Emigration said they would continue the raids in all tourist zones and arrest overstaying foreigners.