The Department of Immigration and Emigration is struggling with a backlog of more than 3,000 dual citizenship applications piled up over the past few months, with some papers submitted more than seven months ago remaining unattended.
At least 1,000 of these applications have got the all clear from the relevant authorities, including clearance from the Police and the State Intelligence Service (SIS), but the applications have stalled at the department level, the Sunday Times learns.
The main dual citizenship applicant is required to pay US$ 2000 (around Rs 600,000), with the spouse and unmarried children below the age of 22 paying US$ 500 each. It is this category of applicants who contribute substantially to the income of the department.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, when contacted by the Sunday Times, admitted the clearance of dual citizenship certificates had slowed down and said that he had instructed the department to immediately begin the issue of certificates to around 1,000 applicants whose background checks had been completed. They will receive the certificates within a week.
“There has been a delay, but I have instructed the department officials to ensure that the work is expedited,” he said. The department’s citizenship division, which handles the applications, comes under a deputy or assistant controller.
Many dual citizenship applications are submitted through Sri Lanka’s overseas missions. “Applicants are inconvenienced by the delay in the issuing of the certificates, as those who have taken foreign citizenships need the dual citizenship from here for their land/property transactions, financial activities, etc.,” an applicant told the Sunday Times.
According to the performance report of the department for 2023, more than 7,300 dual citizenships were issued, but the latest statistics are not yet available.
Meanwhile, the Department of Motor Traffic has run out of new number plates.
(sundaytimes.lk)
(This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
