Immigration Dept initiates probe into bribery incident

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Immigration and Emigration has initiated an investigation regarding an alleged irregularity committed by a group of employees of the Department when issuing passports.

The department stated that those who visit the department to obtain their passports have been given false approval stamps and sent to queues after the employees had solicited bribes from them.

The Immigration Department emphasized that a full investigation has been initiated into the incident.

Five employees connected to the incident have been transferred.

Moreover, the Department of Immigration and Emigration has informed the public that they will not have to give any money to any other party in addition to the fees approved by the Government for obtaining passports.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration also mentioned that it is mandatory to obtain a receipt from the department for the Government approved fees paid in the process of obtaining  passports.