Sri Lanka: Entry and exit procedures at international airports, including security screening and documentation required for citizens to enter and leave the country (2022–July 2024)
For information on the situation and treatment by authorities of returnees, including failed asylum seekers arriving at international airports, see Response to Information Request LKA201968 of August 2024.
1. Overview
Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration lists the following six airports as "approved ports for arrival and departure": Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) [or CMB, as designated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)], Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Colombo International Airport – Ratmalana, Jaffna International Airport, Koggala Airport, and Batticaloa International Airport (Sri Lanka n.d.a). However, in correspondence with the Research Directorate, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies of the University of London, who has provided expert testimony on asylum cases from Sri Lanka, "primarily" in the UK, but also in other countries, including Canada, and who has conducted interviews with officials and in-country experts, indicated that asylum seekers typically exit the country by air via BIA, and that the other international airports in Sri Lanka are "barely operational" (Senior Research Fellow 2024-07-12). In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a senior lecturer at the University of Jaffna with the Department of Economics indicated that Sri Lanka has "only" one international airport (Senior Lecturer 2024-06-29).
Sources indicate that as of October 2023, people can exit the country by taking a high-speed ferry from Jaffna to Nagapattinam in India (Senior Research Fellow 2024-07-12; Tamil Guardian 2024-05-02). The Senior Research Fellow added that Sri Lankan asylum seekers have also been known to "depart illegally" by boat (2024-07-12). The Senior Research Fellow further indicated that asylum seekers "sometimes" use false documentation to exit the country, but this is "becoming less likely as more countries adopt biometric" IDs (2024-07-12).
1.1 Border Management, Including Airports
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in an article on its website, indicates that it assists the Sri Lankan government in the areas of "integrated border management, improvements to border management information systems and travel document issuance systems, identity management, data management, migration intelligence and risk analysis, and training and capacity building for border and migration officials" (UN n.d.). The IOM indicates that on 20 December 2021, it opened the Sri Lanka Border Risk Assessment Centre (BRAC) in conjunction with Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka Customs, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the Police Narcotic Bureau, the Counter Terrorism Investigation Division, the Ministry of Health, and intelligence services, to introduce a "risk-based, intelligence-driven, coordinated approach to border management" (UN 2021-12-20). The same source indicates that the Sri Lankan agencies involved will track "inbound/outbound Advance Passenger Information (API)," which will then be cross-checked against national and international watch lists, as well as "pre-identified risk criteria" (UN 2021-12-20). The IOM notes that the BRAC is designed to help "identify high-risk travellers at the earliest stage of the traveller pathway" (UN 2021-12-20).
According to media sources, in January 2024 BIA inaugurated 16 facial recognition cameras put in place to detect individuals that appear in a database of 1,092 ["serious" (Daily FT 2024-01-08)] criminals compiled by the CID, and to identify those who have an existing INTERPOL warrant for their arrest (Daily FT 2024-01-08; Sunday Observer 2024-01-07). The same sources report that the facial recognition system used at BIA can identify individuals even if their photographs on file are 15–20 years old or if they have undergone a gender transition (Daily FT 2024-01-08; Sunday Observer 2024-01-07). The Sunday Observer, a national weekly English-language newspaper in Sri Lanka, adds that this system will "work in unison with the biometric data capture and e-gate systems" that BIA is installing "in several phases" (2024-01-07).
According to Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), a government-owned company with "statutory powers to manage and develop civil airports in Sri Lanka" (AASL n.d.a), Sri Lanka and the Maldives have received a grant of US$8.4 million from the government of Japan through the IOM to strengthen points-of-entry facilities; as part of this initiative, BIA and the Colombo Port will receive updated technological tools including "advanced baggage scanners, full body scanners, Automated Border Control (ABC) gates equipped with a Face Recognition System (AFRS), full-page e-passport scanners, and biometric-based access control systems" (AASL 2024-04-10). Further information on the implementation of this initiative could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.
1.2 Legislation
According to the US Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2023, the Sri Lankan government "generally respected" the rights of its citizens to "foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation" (US 2024-04-22, 34).
The 1948 Immigrants and Emigrants Act provides the following:
34. Persons to leave Sri Lanka from approved ports of departure.
No person to whom this Part applies shall leave Sri Lanka from any place other than an approved port of departure.
35. Passports required for departure from Sri Lanka.
No person to whom this Part applies shall-
- if he is a citizen of Sri Lanka, leave Sri Lanka unless he has in his possession a Sri Lanka passport; or
- if he is not a citizen of Sri Lanka, leave Sri Lanka unless he has in his possession a valid passport;
…
35A. Taking of finger printing for passport purposes.
The Authority prescribed to issue or renew passports may take finger printing for the inclusion in the passport, from a person applying for a passport or the renewal of a passport.
…
37. Identification of persons entering and leaving Sri Lanka.
(1) Every person entering or leaving Sri Lanka shall furnish to any authorized officer such information as that officer may require for the purpose of ascertaining whether that person is or is not a citizen of Sri Lanka.
…
38. Identification of persons.
For purposes of this Act it shall be lawful for any person authorised by the Controller, or for a police officer not below the rank of a sergeant, or for an authorised member of the Forces not below the rank of a corporal or leading seaman, to take all such steps as may be reasonably necessary for photographing, measuring. Finger printing and otherwise identifying—
- any person who is not a citizen of Sri Lanka; or
- any person who is suspected or alleged to have committed an offence under this Act. (Sri Lanka 1948, bold in original)
2. Entry Procedures at International Airports
2.1 Requirements
In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a national programme officer with the IOM in Colombo indicated that the entry procedures at Sri Lanka's international airports are completed upon arrival and include proving one's nationality by presenting a Sri Lankan passport, temporary travel document, or emergency identity certificate (National Programme Officer 2024-06-30). The Senior Research Fellow indicated that Sri Lankan nationals must follow a "standardized" process to enter the country and will need a valid passport—not an identification card—which is "'swiped'" (2024-07-10). In contrast, the IOM National Programme Officer stated that, per Sri Lankan immigration law, if a citizen does not possess a valid Sri Lankan passport, they can present their "national identity card, civil registry details, [or] dual citizenships certificate information" to prove their citizenship, noting that the current law places the "burden of proof of citizenship" on the traveler (2024-06-30). The same source added that in such circumstances, the person would be "referred to secondary processing, where Immigration officials will cross-verify the identity documents / information against the source identity databases to verify their authenticity" (National Programme Officer 2024-06-30).
The IOM National Programme Officer noted that immigration officers record the border transaction in their electronic system and stamp the passport before letting the person enter the country (2024-06-30). Similarly, a report from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing an interview with a confidential source in December 2023, indicates that upon arrival at the airport in Sri Lanka, [translation] "returning migrants, including those who were forcibly returned," had their passports or travel documents checked by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and their personal details were verified in the Department's "registration system and in the central criminal records system" (Netherlands 2024-06-06, para. 6.1).
According to the Sri Lankan Consulate in Toronto, an emergency travel document is valid for 10 days and may be issued to a Sri Lankan national returning to Sri Lanka under emergency circumstances if their passport was lost or stolen (Sri Lanka n.d.b). The same source indicates that temporary travel documents will be issued to the following cases:
- Those who have applied for refugee or asylum status and awaiting decision of the Canadian government.
- Those who have applied for refugee or asylum status but have subsequently withdrawn their applications.
- Those who have given up their refugee or asylum status and decided to return to Sri Lanka.
- Those whose applications for asylum or refugee status have been rejected by the Canadian government in which such status has been sought. (Sri Lanka n.d.b)
The Netherlands report, citing February 2024 interviews with confidential sources, indicates that Department of Immigration and Emigration officers [translation] "questioned" returnees about how they had left Sri Lanka, "particularly" questioning those who returned using a replacement travel document (2024-06-06, para. 6.1).
2.2 Biometric Collection
According to the website of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN, individuals aged 16 to 60 who have received a Sri Lankan passport through a diplomatic mission abroad after 1 January 2018 are required to provide their fingerprints and a digital photograph upon their first entry to Sri Lanka using their new passport (Sri Lanka n.d.c). The Sri Lankan Consulate General in Toronto's website adds that the collection of biometrics has been required for those obtaining a passport within Sri Lanka since 2015 (Sri Lanka n.d.d). The same source indicates that those issued a passport at a diplomatic mission abroad are required, upon first entry to Sri Lanka with their new passport, to report to the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) who will issue a "system[-]generated Biometric Data Acquisition (BDA) form with a unique reference number, along with a guidance note" (Sri Lanka n.d.d). The same source further reports that each passenger is required to sign two copies of the BDA form, one of which they will receive to present at a Department of Immigration and Emigration office in Sri Lanka at the time of providing their biometrics (Sri Lanka n.d.d). According to the Sri Lankan Consulate General of Toronto, upon providing biometrics, the Department of Immigration and Emigration will provide the individual with a receipt and the "border control system will be updated to allow the passenger departure" (Sri Lanka n.d.d).
2.3 Security Screening
According to a report by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), failed asylum seekers "may face further questioning" from the authorities depending on whether they left the country legally or not, whether they are travelling on a temporary travel document, or whether they have a criminal background (Australia 2024-05-02, para. 5.39). The same source adds that failed asylum seekers may face further questioning from Sri Lankan Immigration, the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Navy Intelligence (SLNI) and the CID (Australia 2024-05-02, para. 5.39).
The IOM National Programme Officer indicated that border agents conduct mandatory checks against INTERPOL and "national watchlists" to identify "high-risk travelers"; passengers with a ''positive match" will be referred to relevant law enforcement authorities (2024-06-30). The same source added that citizens have the "constitutionally mandated right" to re-enter Sri Lanka regardless of the outcome of any potential investigation (National Programme Officer 2024-06-30).
2.4 Stop List and Watch List
Australia's DFAT report states that authorities maintain "comprehensive countrywide 'stop' and 'watch' lists" of individuals whom the authorities suspect are involved in "terrorist activities or serious criminal offences" (Australia 2024-05-02, para. 5.34). The same source indicates that individuals on those lists would be "unable to avoid adverse attention" from authorities (Australia 2024-05-02, para. 5.34). Similarly, the Senior Research Fellow indicated that passengers are screened through an electronic database containing a "watch list" and a "stop list"; a person's appearance on the stop list results in their "being handed over to either" the CID or the Counter Terrorism Investigation Division, depending on whether or not authorities consider them to be a "criminal" or a "security" risk (2024-07-10).
A 2020 UK Home Office report based on a fact-finding mission to Sri Lanka, cites a 2019 interview with Sri Lanka's CID which notes that watch lists are maintained by the CID (UK 2020-01-20, para. 7.6.1). The same report also cites an IOM source who, in a 2019 interview, noted that SIS has their "own watchlist and will screen returning passengers against the list" (UK 2020-01-20, para. 7.6.1). Australia's DFAT report indicates that watch lists contain the names of "people whom the security services consider to be of interest, including for suspected separatist or criminal activities" (Australia 2024-05-02, para 3.76).
3. Exit Procedures at International Airports
3.1 Requirements
The 2020 UK Home Office report indicates that Sri Lankan nationals exiting the country are required to fill out a departure card that lists a person's "name, passport number, address in Sri Lanka, flight number, purpose of visit, [and] country of destination" (UK 2020-01-20, para. 8.2.1). A notice on the website of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, a state agency (Sri Lanka 2020-05-15), indicates that effective 1 January 2023, Sri Lankan nationals can fill out their departure cards three days before travelling, using the Digital Arrival and Departure Portal (Sri Lanka 2023-01-02).
3.2 Security Screening
According to AASL, departing passengers must undergo the following procedures:
- A first identification of passengers shall be carried out by Airport Security Department (ASD) staff at the entrance to the passenger terminal building on production of valid airline ticket documentation.
- A second identification shall be carried out by ASD staff at the entrance to the check-in counter area on production of valid airline ticket documentation.
- A third identification shall be carried out by Sri Lankan Airlines handling agent staff at the check-in counters on production of valid travel documentation (i.e. airline tickets together with passport and any necessary visas).
- A fourth identification shall be carried out by Department of Immigration and Emigration staff and agents of the Directorate of Internal Intelligence for the purposes of establishing the bona fides of passengers.
- A fifth identification shall be carried out by ASD staff at the pre-boarding passenger and cabin baggage screening checkpoint on production of a valid boarding card.
- Final passenger identification shall be carried out by Sri Lanka Airlines handling agent staff or the staff of the relevant aircraft operator at the departure gate as part of the passenger / hold baggage reconciliation process on production of a valid boarding card and passport or other identity document containing a visual image of the holder.(n.d.b)
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL). 2024-04-10. "Japan Provides a Grant of USD 8.4 million Through IOM Sri Lanka to Strengthen Facilities at BIA and Colombo Port." [Accessed 2024-06-19]
Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL). N.d.a. "About AASL." [Accessed 2024-06-19]
Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL). N.d.b. "Security Information for Travelers." [Accessed 2024-06-19]
Australia. 2024-05-02. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). DFAT Country Information Report: Sri Lanka. [Accessed 2024-06-05]
Daily FT. 2024-01-08. "BIA Implements Facial Recognition System to Combat Crime." [Accessed 2024-07-18]
National Programme Officer, United Nations (UN), International Organization for Migration (IOM). 2024-06-30. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.
Netherlands. 2024-06-06. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thematisch ambtsbericht Tamils in Sri Lanka. Excerpts translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. [Accessed 2024-06-20]
Senior Lecturer, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. 2024-06-29. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.
Senior Research Fellow, University of London, United Kingdom. 2024-07-12. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.
Senior Research Fellow, University of London, United Kingdom. 2024-07-10. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.
Sri Lanka. 2023-01-02. Civil Aviation Authority. "Online Filling of the Arrival Cards (for Foreigners) and Departure Cards (for Sri Lankans)." [Accessed 2024-06-19]
Sri Lanka. 2020-05-15. Civil Aviation Authority. "Department of Civil Aviation." [Accessed 2024-07-22]
Sri Lanka. 1948 (amended 2021). Immigrants and Emigrants Act. Consolidation published by Blackhall Publishing. [Accessed 2024-06-04]
Sri Lanka. N.d.a. Department of Immigration and Emigration. "Border Management." [Accessed 2024-06-05]
Sri Lanka. N.d.b. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto. "Application for an Emergency Travel Document (NMRP)." [Accessed 2024-06-30]
Sri Lanka. N.d.c. Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations. "Passports." [Accessed 2024-06-13]
Sri Lanka. N.d.d. Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Toronto. "Issuance of a New Passport." [Accessed 2024-06-06]
Sunday Observer. 2024-01-07. Jonathan Frank & T.K.G. Kapila. "Facial Recognition System at BIA to Nab Criminals." [Accessed 2024-07-24]
Tamil Guardian. 2024-05-02. "Tamil Nadu to Jaffna Ferry Service to Resume this Month." [Accessed 2024-07-18]
United Kingdom (UK). Home Office. 2020-01-20. Report of a Home Office Fact-Finding Mission to Sri Lanka Conducted Between 28 September and 5 October 2019. [Accessed 2024-06-07]
United Nations (UN). 2021-12-20. International Organization for Migration (IOM). "Sri Lanka Border Risk Assessment Centre (BRAC) Is Inaugurated to Improve Border Security and Facilitate Economic Recovery." [Accessed 2024-06-20]
United Nations (UN). N.d. International Organization for Migration (IOM). "Immigration and Border Management." [Accessed 2024-06-20]
United States (US). 2024-04-22. Department of State. "Sri Lanka." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2023. [Accessed 2024-06-04]
Additional Sources Consulted
Oral sources: Barrister and solicitor in Ontario who focuses on immigration law; Canadian Tamil Congress; Centre for Migration Research and Development; Centre for Policy Alternatives; Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka; Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion; lecturer and research fellow at a university in the UK whose research focuses on Sri Lankan constitutional laws; professor at a university in the UK who researches undocumented migration, detention, and returnees; Sri Lanka – Consulates General in Ottawa, Surrey, and Toronto, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Permanent Mission to the UN; UK-based barrister specializing on issues concerning refugees and human rights in Sri Lanka; UN – Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka.
Internet sites, including: Al Jazeera; Amnesty International; Asian Development Bank; Bertelsmann Stiftung; Center for Human Rights and Development; International Air Transport Association; International Crisis Group; EU – European External Action Service; European University Institute – Global Citizenship Observatory; Fédération internationale pour les droits humains; France – Office français de protection des réfugiés et apatrides; Freedom House; The Guardian; INTERPOL; Minority Rights Group International; Sunday Times; ThinkAsia; UK – Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; US – CIA, US Commission on International Religious Freedom; World Bank.