For the category of business investment visas, the applicant has to show SL Rs. 80 million. After investing this sum in New Zealand, he is eligible to apply for permanent residency. Whatever the categories, whether for study, permanent migration or business purposes, the fact that so many Sri Lankans are choosing to leave their motherland is indeed a loss to the country. Foreign countries also offer scholarships to outstanding students drawing large numbers from Sri Lanka. We thus face a heavy brain drain, with many students and professionals heading out of the country.
Most countries are, after all tightening their immigration laws.
The high cost of university education abroad is a serious problem for parents. Many sell properties and mortgage houses to send their children overseas for education, literally scraping the barrel to ensure them a secure future. The total cost of obtaining a medical degree at a prestigious university could be in the range of Rs. Admission requirements for universities in Australia are similar to those in Sri Lanka. Requirements for medical studies in the UK are very high and it is not easy to gain admission.