Immigration
Visa administration under the 1948 Ordinance, with an ETA front end
The Immigrants and Emigrants Act of 1948 remains the governing statute, administered by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Short visits use an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Longer stays run through resident visa categories, and the Board of Investment route is the practical basis for most employment-linked residence.
Governing law
- Immigrants and Emigrants Act, No. 20 of 1948 — The governing immigration statute.
- Citizenship Act, No. 18 of 1948 — Citizenship and dual citizenship.
In practice
Most nationalities need an ETA or visa before arrival; ETAs are issued for short tourist and business visits. Residence visas are employment, investment, religious or student based and require a local sponsor. BOI-approved projects can obtain resident visas for expatriate staff within approved quotas. Overstaying attracts fines and can result in removal and re-entry bans. Visa categories and fees have changed repeatedly with the outsourcing and re-insourcing of the visa platform — verify current arrangements before travel. Dual citizenship is permitted but requires application and approval; it is not automatic.