Sri Lankan Embassy in Italy under fire

Several Sri Lankans living in Italy have alleged that the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka has not granted visas to their children (under 18 years) and family members  as certain officials are attempting to illegally make money off them.

Speaking to The Morning, they claimed that there has been no intervention from the Government regarding the said issue yet. 

“The Government has to intervene in this issue. If our children come to Italy, they would send euros to Sri Lanka. It’s as simple as that. But most of them are unable to reach this country when compared to other countries like Bangladesh and India due to certain people who work at the Embassy,” they claimed.

However, when contacted by The Morning, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Italy Jagath Wellawatte said that he is aware of the specific issues and that they are working with the diplomats to solve these issues. 

“I was able to discuss these issues with the relevant authorities, but according to them, some Sri Lankans have handed over forged documents, so the officials are strict on that matter. They double-check all the documents, and therefore, it takes time,” he explained.

According to Wellawatte, a 32-year-old person had applied to obtain a family visa claiming that he was 18 years old.

Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara said that the process of obtaining an Italian visa is handled by the Visa Facilitation Services institute of the Italian Embassy, according to the international method that provides European visa facilities, and that there have been reports that the visa process of many applicants is unnecessarily delayed.

“I have received information that although the process of obtaining visas for children and dependents can be completed within a period of eight months, it takes more than two years in many cases. While the health reports of candidates are mandatory in the Italian visa process, it has been learned that even very sensitive factors are unnecessarily considered in the eligibility check of children and dependents. 

“Currently, health reports are mandatory in the visa application of leading countries in Europe, and there has been a situation where only one agency accepts the reports for that purpose. Due to this reason, Sri Lankans who are looking for Italian visas have faced great difficulties and inconveniences, but there are no other alternative agencies or services that facilitate it,” the Minister stated.

He also said that Wellawatte had drawn attention to the matter. 

“As this is a very sensitive issue, we will take action very quickly in this regard, and if there is anyone who is suffering from unnecessary inconveniences or difficulties, I will arrange an official platform to present their grievances with the support of the Italian Embassy in Sri Lanka,” Nanayakkara said.