VFS Global & other Indian firms land in hot water with Sri Lanka over controversial visa outsourcing contract
Sri Lanka's new government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has initiated a forensic audit into a visa outsourcing contract with Indian and Dubai-based firms. The move follows a Supreme Court order to remand the immigration controller f...
By ET Online | Updated:
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The Sri Lankan government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has initiated a forensic audit on a visa outsourcing contract involving Indian firms and a Dubai-based company. The contract, awarded to GBS Technology, IVS Global FZCO, and VFS Global in April, is under scrutiny due to alleged irregularities, Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath announced.
"We have initiated an immediate forensic audit to investigate irregularities," Minister Herath confirmed.
The audit follows the Supreme Court’s decision to remand Controller of Immigration and Emigration, Harsha Ilukpitiya, for not implementing a court order on the electronic tourist visa system. The controversial system required all foreigners to pay USD 25 for visa processing, including citizens from visa-free countries.
Since Thursday night, the airport immigration authorities have reverted to the previous visa system, which was in place before April. Herath noted, "The visa facility provided by VFS Global had caused significant difficulties for many."
The Supreme Court had earlier responded to a petition from opposition politicians who termed the outsourced visa operation a scam and requested its suspension. In July, the court directed the immigration controller to revert to the former system.
How much foreign currency can you carry abroad? A country-wise break up
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When you travel abroad, there might be limits on how much cash you can carry. This is to control money movement, fight crime, and protect financial systems. The exact amount varies by country, but you'll usually have to declare larger sums upon arrival.
Luckily, you can still use credit cards, debit cards, or electronic transfers for most things, offering both convenience and following the rules.
When you travel abroad, there might be limits on how much cash you can carry. This is to control money movement, fight crime, and protect financial systems. The exact amount varies by country, but yo..
Read More
Dubai has a limit on how much cash you can bring in without declaring it: 100,000 Dirham. This helps them fight crime. If you're carrying more, just let customs know when you arrive. No worries though, credit cards, debit cards, and transfers are all widely accepted in Dubai for your spending.
Dubai has a limit on how much cash you can bring in without declaring it: 100,000 Dirham. This helps them fight crime. If you're carrying more, just let customs know when you arrive. No worries thoug..
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The U.S. has a different cash limit than Europe. If you're traveling from India, you can bring up to $3,000 in cash without declaring it. However, for larger sums, you'll need to use traveler's checks, forex cards, or bank transfers. This helps them fight financial crimes and track money movement. No worries though, credit cards, debit cards, and transfers are widely accepted throughout the US.
The U.S. has a different cash limit than Europe. If you're traveling from India, you can bring up to $3,000 in cash without declaring it. However, for larger sums, you'll need to use traveler's che..
Read More
Canada has a different rule than the US or Europe. When entering Canada, you need to declare any amount of cash (Canadian dollars or foreign currency) that adds up to $10,000 CAD or more to a border services officer. This helps them track large amounts of money and fight crime. No need to declare anything under $10,000 CAD. Remember, credit cards, debit cards and transfers are all widely used in Canada too!
Canada has a different rule than the US or Europe. When entering Canada, you need to declare any amount of cash (Canadian dollars or foreign currency) that adds up to $10,000 CAD or more to a border..
Read More
Singapore has a limit on the total amount of cash (and even traveler's checks) you can bring in, set at SGD $20,000. This helps them keep their financial system strong and fight crime. No need to worry about exceeding the limit though, credit cards, debit cards, and transfers are all widely accepted in Singapore for your spending needs.
Singapore has a limit on the total amount of cash (and even traveler's checks) you can bring in, set at SGD $20,000. This helps them keep their financial system strong and fight crime. No need to wo..
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If you're visiting France and bringing cash, you'll need to declare any amount over €10,000. This helps them track money movement and fight crime. For sums under €10,000, you're good to go without any declaration hassle. Remember, you can always use credit cards, debit cards, or transfers for most things while you're there.
If you're visiting France and bringing cash, you'll need to declare any amount over €10,000. This helps them track money movement and fight crime. For sums under €10,000, you're good to go without an..
Read More
Just like France, you can bring up to €10,000 to Spain without declaring it. This makes things easier for tourists and business travelers. They do however keep an eye on larger amounts to avoid any financial wrongdoing. No worries though, credit cards, debit cards, and transfers are widely accepted in Spain for your spending needs.
Just like France, you can bring up to €10,000 to Spain without declaring it. This makes things easier for tourists and business travelers. They do however keep an eye on larger amounts to avoid any f..
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Indian rupees are convenient to use in Bhutan, but there's a catch. To avoid problems and keep money exchange smooth, they don't allow bills of ₹500 or higher denominations. No worries though, you can exchange larger bills for smaller ones upon arrival or use credit cards, debit cards, and transfers in some tourist areas.
Indian rupees are convenient to use in Bhutan, but there's a catch. To avoid problems and keep money exchange smooth, they don't allow bills of ₹500 or higher denominations. No worries though, you c..
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Italy has a €10,000 limit on undeclared cash coming into the country. This helps them follow financial rules and catch suspicious activity. If you're carrying more than €10,000, just let customs know when you arrive. No need to sweat the small stuff - credit cards, debit cards, and transfers are all accepted in Italy for your spending adventures.
Italy has a €10,000 limit on undeclared cash coming into the country. This helps them follow financial rules and catch suspicious activity. If you're carrying more than €10,000, just let customs know..
Read More
Traveling to Australia with cash? You can bring in up to AUD $10,000 without declaring it. This helps them fight money laundering and other financial crimes. If you're carrying more than AUD $10,000, just declare it upon arrival. Remember, credit cards, debit cards, and transfers are all widely accepted in Australia for your spending needs.
Traveling to Australia with cash? You can bring in up to AUD $10,000 without declaring it. This helps them fight money laundering and other financial crimes. If you're carrying more than AUD $10,000,..
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