The Department of Immigration and Emigration has detained 22 Indian nationals found working with expired visas at an office complex in Rajagiriya.

According to the reports, they were arrested during a raid by the Investigation Division, following a tip off from the random questioning of two other Indian nationals.

17 had entered Sri Lanka on tourist visas, 4 on resident visas, and one on a business visa.

The group, aged between 25 and 35, is currently being held at the Welisara detention centre pending deportation.

Authorities have confirmed that deportation procedures are now underway.