On-line visa applications for Ireland

(January 18, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Irish Embassy in Sri Lanka stated that, from 21st of January 2008, Sri Lankans will be able to apply for Ireland visas online. Accordingly, applicants will be able to complete their application forms on-line from home or office and receive an application number.

The Embassy sources further stated that applicants can apply on-line at http://www.inis.gov.ie/. In the visa section of this site, they will be able to complete their visa application forms on-line.

The applicants are required to follow-up by submitting their passports and supporting documentation to the Irish Consulate in Colombo or the Irish Embassy, New Delhi. Applicants who avail of this service will then be able to track the progress of their applications using their application numbers online.

Once this is completed, they will receive a printed summary, which directs them to http://www.irelandinindia.com to check what documentation is required.

A number of outsourcing, BPOs and KPO centres operate in Ireland. It is expected that this facility of obtaining visas to Ireland would create opportunities for Sri Lankan corporates to secure outsourcing and BPO facilities from Ireland to Sri Lanka.