The Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates has appealed to Sri  Lankans without a valid passport/lost passport to apply for a Temporary Travel Document (TTD) on or before Friday (Oct 25) inorder benefit from an amnesty offered for those without visas to leave the country without a penalty.

The amnesty period which commenced on  September 1, 2024 will continue until  October 31, 2024.

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai said obtaining the travel document in time will provide the Lankans to have sufficient time to process the request to obtain UAE outpass and return to Sri Lanka during amnesty programme .

The program provides an opportunity for individuals to regularize their visa status or return to Sri Lanka without facing penalties.

Statistics related to the Amnesty program from 01 September to 17 October 2024 are as follows:

* 6776 individuals visited the Consulate General during regular consular hours and special amnesty consular hours seeking assistance/services​.

* 907 Passport applications have been accepted.

* 761 Temporary Travel Documents (TTDs) have been issued to those who do not hold a valid Passport or lost Passport.

* 835 air tickets have been purchased through special counters located at the Consulate General premises by Sri Lankan Airlines and Fits Air.

The Consulate General said it remains committed to assisting the Sri Lankan community during this amnesty period and encourages all eligible individuals to make use of the available services to regularize their visa status or return home safely.