RIYADH: With the introduction of new facilities and services to Saudis, Sri Lankans, and expatriates in the Kingdom, visit visas to the island will be processed within 10 minutes.
Announcing the mission’s improved services at the inauguration of an Information Center at the embassy, the island’s ambassador Abdul Ageed Mohamed Marleen said that the new services would include the issuance of visit visas to Sri Lanka within 10 minutes and the newly opened information center would give ample information about the island’s natural resources, tourism, products and services for foreigners who would like to harness the potentials of the country.
He added that the products are beautifully displayed in showcases and an information officer will be available to advise local businessmen on the opportunities available in the country.
“Sri Lanka is a country blessed with natural resources to attract Saudi tourists for a family holiday. It is a land not well-known in this part of the world. We would like to project the island as a tourist destination to Saudis and expatriates living here,” he said. Around 2,000 Saudis have visited the Kingdom during last year. “We hope to enhance this figure through organized programs.”
Hamid Ansari, ambassador of Nepal, and Maldivian Ambassador Hussein Shihab were also present at the function.
He also said that the labor division has been given a spacious area to accommodate the large number of countrymen who come for labor welfare work. He said that these services include renewal of workers registration with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) and workers welfare activities.
Zawfir Ziard, chief executive officer of Unique Choice International, Riyaz Yusuf from Serendib Toastmasters Club, Fawzan Fareid from Hada Water, and SAM Rasdeen, president of the Sri Lankan Expatriates Society (SLES), received special mementos from the ambassador for contributing to the success of the new project.
