Indian Government Examines a Proposal to Relax Visa rules for Srilankan Monks

More than 55,000 monks visit India every year on employment visa to work in monasteries at New Delhi, Dharamsala, Varanasi, Kushi Nagar and Bodh Gaya.

Under current visa rules, Sri Lankan monks who visit India to work in temples and monasteries are required to pay a visa fee of $150 for an employment permit annually.

According to Indian officials, the one-year visa can be extended up to five years after which Lankan Buddhist monks are required to return back to Sri Lanka and apply again.

The Sri Lanka has not only sought relaxation of rules for the monks,  but has also urged Indian authorities to waive off the visa fees.

The Indian government is examining a proposal to relax the visa requirements for Sri Lankan Buddhist monks visiting the country.