The department was expecting an estimated revenue of Rs.28.1 billion at the beginning of 2023; however, the department earned a record Rs.42.76 billion, up from Rs.23.83 billion earned in 2022.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation issuances were the largest income source for the department, contributing to 41 percent or Rs.17.74 billion in income, followed by Rs.12.51 billion from issuance and amendment of passports and Rs.7.09 billion from issuance/extension of visas. In addition, passport processing through embassies contributed Rs.3.82 billion to the department’s revenue.

During the year, the Immigration and Emigration Department issued 910,582 passports, compared to 911,689 passports in 2022 and 382,560 in 2021. In particular, the regional offices issued a record 191,557 passports in 2023, with the Vavuniya office accounting for 56,261 of passport issuances, after recommencing the operations of the regional offices from June 15, 2023, amidst the high demand.

The department has issued 2.94 million passports from 2019 until the end of 2023.

By Nishel Fernando