Breadcrumb

Immigrants and Emigrants Act, No. 20 of 1948.

Country(ies)

Sri Lanka

Subjects (Classification)

Migrant workers

Adopted on (Date of text)

1949-11-01

Scope of text

National

Type of legislation (Type of text)

Law, Act

Abstract/Citation

This Act, incorporating all changes through 1979, lists the persons who are exempted from its applicability. It does not apply to movements within Sri Lanka, nor to passengers in transit. It enumerates the documents required at the time of entry in the country. Lists certain categories of persons not to be granted right of entry and entitles the Minister to declare other persons to be prohibited immigrants or prohibited visitors. A passport endorsement or visa is a prerequisite for entry. Specifies time-limits and conditions for obtaining visas. Subjects certain categories of persons entering Sri Lanka to a medical examination. For such purpose an entering person may be detained. Persons entering Sri Lanka in contravention of this Act may be detained and removed. The Act fixes the ports of entry and departure from Sri Lanka. Nationals, as well as non-nationals, are required to have a passport to leave Sri Lanka. The Minister may, by order, impose restrictions on the movements or activities of migrants during their stay in Sri Lanka and decide to deport any person likely to disturb the public order. The Act criminally sanctions the handling of irregular migrants. It regulates the police procedure and the criminal proceedings to follow in such cases, as well as the rights of the persons prosecuted.