The Government of the Philippines has begun issuing 5-year Temporary Residence Visas (TRVs) to Sri Lankan nationals married to Filipino citizens.
Previously, TRVs were granted only for two years, requiring frequent renewals that often caused delays and inconvenience, especially when passports were held for extended periods.
This change addresses a long-standing concern of the Sri Lankan community residing in the Philippines, many of whom have been advocating for an extension of TRV validity.
Ambassador Chanaka Talpahewa, upon taking office, pledged to resolve this issue and engaged in sustained diplomatic efforts with senior Philippine officials.
He held discussions with key stakeholders, including the Vice President, Foreign Secretary, other Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and officials from various departments and government institutions.
These diplomatic engagements resulted in the Philippine government agreeing to extend TRVs for eligible Sri Lankans to five years.
The move has been widely welcomed by the Sri Lankan community, particularly those who require flexibility for work, travel, or emergencies.
The development marks a significant improvement in the quality of life for affected Sri Lankans and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
This success highlights the effectiveness of strong bilateral ties and active diplomacy between Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
The issuance of 5-year TRVs represents a major milestone in strengthening people-to-people connections and addressing the practical needs of the diaspora.
