Sri Lanka and China will strengthen immigration cooperation through a proposed bilateral MoU covering business, investment, tourism and professional exchanges. The framework will improve coordination, information sharing and immigration officials’ capabilities.
Sri Lanka and China are set to strengthen cooperation on immigration matters after the Sri Lankan Cabinet approved the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at facilitating business, investment, tourism and professional exchanges between the two countries.
The proposed agreement will be signed between Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration and China’s National Immigration Administration. It is designed to establish a structured framework for cooperation on visa, immigration and emigration matters affecting citizens engaged in business, investment, technology ties and scientific activities.
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The MoU is expected to improve coordination between the immigration authorities of both countries and support smoother cross-border movement of investors, entrepreneurs, professionals and other visitors. By easing administrative procedures, the initiative could contribute to stronger commercial links and facilitate greater interaction between Sri Lankan and Chinese businesses.
Under the proposed framework, the two sides will exchange official information and intelligence relating to immigration matters. Regular discussions, consultations and visits between senior immigration officials will also be encouraged to strengthen institutional coordination and address emerging issues.
The cooperation will extend beyond business facilitation to include measures against organised crime and human trafficking. Both countries are expected to work together on improving immigration-related capabilities while maintaining stronger safeguards around cross-border movement.
The agreement also provides for workshops and other capacity-building activities aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills and professional capabilities of immigration officials. Such cooperation is expected to support more effective implementation of immigration procedures while strengthening institutional links between the two countries.
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The draft MoU has already received clearance from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism as well as the Attorney General. Cabinet approval followed a proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, allowing the government to proceed with the formal signing of the agreement.
The initiative comes as Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen its investment environment and deepen economic engagement with international partners. For China, improved immigration coordination could support greater mobility for investors, business representatives, technical specialists and professionals involved in bilateral relation.
The proposed framework therefore has the potential to complement broader Sri Lanka-China economic relations by reducing administrative friction and creating more predictable channels for business and professional exchanges.