The Embassy of Maldives in Sri Lanka has revealed that Sri Lankan authorities have begun inspecting passports and visa status of foreign residents in the country.

The embassy has released a press statement cautioning Maldivian residents and visitors to check the expiry status of their passport and visa while making an appeal to renew them accordingly. Further, they stress the importance of carrying any sort of identification card and instructed Maldivians to carry their passport while out in public at all times. They add that a receipt should be carried at all times if the passport has been taken by a Sri Lankan authority.

The Minister of Foreign affairs had previously instructed Maldivian residents in Srilanka to carry their passport at all times following the Easter bombings that shook the neighbouring country earlier this year. As such, the ministry has once again appealed for Maldivians to carry their passports in public after 12 Maldivians were arrested in Sri Lanka and issued a reminder to check the passport and visa expiry status.