Bahrain Daily Tribune - Saturday, December 11, 2010

Sri Lankan national living in Bahrain on irregular visas were urged yesterday to register their names with Honorary Consul General P.B Higgoda in order to rectify their residency or be repatriated home.

“I request all my people who have trouble with their visas, including visit visas, domestic work visas and also the LMRA work visas, to come and consul us. We can help them regularize their stay or leave the country in a dignified manner.” Higgoda said. 

An estimated 15,000 Sri Lankans currently reside in the Kindom. 

Speaking to DT during  a Mobile Consular Service event yesterday, Higgoda said that several Sri Lankan nationals have availed themselves of the Easy Exit scheme implemented by the LMRA and several more applied for the scheme yesterday.

“We sent them to the LMRA and they all left their paperwork was cleared. When it comes to domestic workers I do not know how many have left as the figures are with the immigration authorities,” the official said.

Yesterday’s Mobile Consular Service provided Sri Lankan nationals with the chance to met Embassy officials from their Embassy in Kuwait. The officials included First Secretary Premaratna and Minister Counsellor  K. Herath.

The officials make regular visits to Bahrain to provide consular services to their citizens, as ther is no Embassy in the Kingdom. During the visit they attempt to address the issues that affect their country men and women.

“Over a hundred people attended the Mobile Service. We also received several requests from people whose visas has expired and were not renewed. Their details have been noted and over the next few days we will contact the authorities concerned and the respective agents of these workers. Together we will do that we can to assist, expedite and address our people’s problem.” Higgoda said.

To request assistance from Higgoda, Sri Lankan national may contact him on 39460644 or 36963277