The first consular section and visa issuance centre of UAE outside the country was inaugurated in Colombo, the official UAE news agency WAM reported. Acting Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of UAE, Mohammed Mir Al Raisi, inaugurated visa center. The ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris and other ministers.

Al Raisi expressed appreciation for the efforts to develop the bilateral relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka in various spheres. He emphasised that the opening of the facility is aimed at strengthening the cooperation relations on consular affairs; improving customer service; and facilitating procedures for workers’ entry to the UAE through eGates.

Minister Peiris said the opening of the facility represents a historic moment in the bilateral relations between the two countries. He thanked the UAE for its positions on regional and international issues and its support to Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan minister also hailed the system used in the visa issuance centre as “one of the most efficient in the world”.

The new visa centre can serve 500 customers every day and uses passport authentication and biometrics such as fingerprints, eyeprints and faceprints, and medical tests conducted at 15 Sri Lankan centres accredited by the UAE Ministry of Health.

The procedures will save costs of recruitment; quarantine and deportation; and improve customer services.
(with inputs from WAM)