Ballistic missile attacks targeting major urban areas in Israel by Iran were reported throughout last night (18).
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had earlier advised the public to move to safe areas. Three such warnings have been reported so far, and the IDF successfully intercepted and destroyed all incoming missiles.
Due to the ongoing conflict, Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) has extended the validity of visas for foreigners currently in Israel by three months. This relief applies to all whose visas are currently expiring.
“Special announcement for Sri Lankans in Israel”
The visa categories eligible for this extension are:
B/1 – General Work Visa,B/2 – Tourist Visa,B/4 – Volunteer Visa,A/1 – Temporary Resident Visa,A/2 – Student Visa (excluding agricultural trainees),A/3 – Clergy/Religious Visa,A/4 – Companion Visa,A/5 – Temporary Resident Visa,DCL License – Visas for Family Reunification and Humanitarian Purposes
It has been reported that 119 Sri Lankan citizens currently in Sri Lanka had expressed their wish to return to Israel soon. However, based on a policy decision made by the Sri Lankan government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, their return to Israel has been temporarily suspended.
In response to a request from the Sri Lankan Embassy to PIBA, the Israeli authorities stated that the re-entry visa period for those currently in Sri Lanka on re-entry visas will be extended as soon as flights resume. They also confirmed that the expiry of re-entry visas since the start of the war will not be an impediment to their return to Israel. The Sri Lankan Embassy is prepared to assist those currently in Sri Lanka with the process of extending their re-entry visas.
The three WhatsApp numbers provided by the Sri Lankan Embassy are active. Sri Lankan citizens facing issues and their close contacts can obtain information through these numbers.
