The Sri Lankan cabinet approved changes to the Immigrants and Emigrants Act that were proposed by Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs S. B. Navinne.

These changes include the collection of visa charges in US Dollars instead of Sri Lankan Rupees and adding a US$ 500 fine in addition to the visa charge for foreigners with expired visas.

The changes also allow for providing foreign students with residential visas for the duration of their academic periods, and spouse visas for foreigners and children of Sri Lankan citizens.

Future changes will enable Sri Lankans who have obtained citizenship in countries that do not permit dual citizenship to gain permanent resident visas in Sri Lanka.