Sri Lankans Abroad Face Long Wait for Dual Citizenship

 

For thousands of Sri Lankans living overseas, the promise of dual citizenship remains just out of reach — caught in a growing backlog that has frustrated applicants for months. The Department of Immigration and Emigration is grappling with over 3,000 pending dual citizenship applications, some submitted more than seven months ago, with no resolution in sight.

Among these are at least 1,000 applications that have successfully cleared all necessary background checks from the Police and State Intelligence Service. Yet, the final step — approval and issuance of citizenship certificates — has stalled inexplicably at the departmental level.

The cost for this privilege is steep

The primary applicant must pay US$2,000 (around Rs 600,000), while spouses and unmarried children under 22 pay US$500 each. These fees form a significant source of revenue for the department, heightening frustrations over the slow pace of processing.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala acknowledged the delay, assuring that immediate action has been ordered to clear the backlog. “I have instructed department officials to expedite the issuance of certificates to those whose background checks are complete,” he told the Sunday Times, promising certificates to about 1,000 applicants within a week.

For many applicants, the wait is more than an inconvenience. Dual citizenship certificates are essential for managing property transactions, financial dealings, and other legal matters back home. The holdup at the department means families cannot finalize critical affairs, putting lives on hold.

“The delay is creating real hardships,” said one applicant. “We’ve paid the fees, passed all checks, yet we remain stuck waiting. It’s frustrating when you need this certificate for land or banking.”

The department’s official records show that over 7,300 dual citizenships were granted in 2023, but current statistics remain unavailable. The backlog highlights not just bureaucratic inefficiency but also the heavy demand for dual citizenship among Sri Lankans abroad — a demand that reflects their deep ties to home amid global lives.

Meanwhile, adding to the woes of citizens, the Department of Motor Traffic has also run out of new number plates, underscoring broader systemic challenges in public services.

As the government promises swift resolution, overseas Sri Lankans watch and wait — hopeful that their status will soon be formalized, and the long bureaucratic wait finally come to an end.