Lanka visa difficulties: Nasheed advocates for removing border controls between two countries

Former president Mohamed Nasheed has advocated for eliminating visa and work permit requirements between Maldives and Sri Lanka, as Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood slams poor visa facilitations for Maldivian nationals traveling to Sri Lanka.

In an interview with Sri Lankan media outlet, Daily News, High Commissioner Masood questioned why Maldivians traveling to Sri Lanka are receiving “step-motherly” treatment by Sri Lankan immigration officials.

In this regard, the High Commissioner Masood claimed that Maldivian nationals are forced to wait in long queues from 9:00am to 5:00pm to obtain their visas.

Nasheed commented on the matter via a post on X, in which he expressed his belief that removing order controls between Maldives and Sri Lanka would significantly benefit the people of both countries.

“Eliminating visa requirements and work permits could enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation,” he explained.

I believe removing border controls between Maldives and Sri Lanka would significantly benefit the people of both countries, fostering greater economic and social integration. Eliminating visa requirements and work permits could enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people…

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) January 8, 2026

Maldivian travelers do not generally need to apply for a visa in advance to visit Sri Lanka, as they are granted an on-arrival visa. However, those intending to stay for longer durations or to live in the country are required to obtain the appropriate visa.

Currently, around 1,800 Maldivian residents live in Sri Lanka, a significant drop from approximately 15,000 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic downturn in Sri Lanka following the pandemic led many Maldivians living there to return or move to other countries.

Notably, main opposition MDP’s South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem has attributed the current administration’s “irresponsible” foreign policies to the difficulties faced by Maldivians in obtaining Sri Lankan visa.

The current administration’s foreign policy has been heavily criticized since the beginning. Relations with India were particularly strained early on, due to the ‘India Out’ campaign during the administration’s time in opposition and derogatory remarks made by three deputy ministers about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This led the administration to take remedial measures, which drew further criticism for their perceived irony.

Foreign aid to the Maldives has also declined sharply over the two years of the current administration, with most of the aid projected in the budget not materializing. Critics attribute this shortfall to the perceived failures of the administration’s foreign policy.