159 Indians arrested in Sri Lanka for visa abuse in 2015, says minister

Sri Lanka on Thursday said that around 159 Indians were among 402 people arrested in the country for alleged abuse of entry visa during 2015.

"They have been arrested for various illegal acts including illegal employment and illegal religious propaganda work," Internal Affairs Minister SB Nawinna told parliament. Three foreigners were arrested for begging, he added.

Some of those arrested persons had overstayed or given false information on their stay in the country. At least 83 of them had found employment illegally, Nawinna said. 

Sri Lanka restricted its visa on arrival policy to the Maldivian and Singaporean passport holders on a reciprocity basis. All other 'nationalists' are required to apply for visas.