Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra said enforcement efforts carried out by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) in 2025 produced measurable benefits for migrant workers and their families, following a review meeting with the bureau’s Enforcement Division.
According to the Deputy Minister, the SLBFE received 4,822 public complaints between January and December 2025. Of these, 2,914 complaints were resolved through inquiries and settlements, while 772 cases were filed in court. Investigations during the period led to 121 arrests, including several high-profile cases, and 21 raids targeting illegal recruitment and related offences.
He said more than Rs. 380 million was recovered on behalf of affected workers during the year. In cases where serious and repeated violations were established following due legal process, 15 recruitment licences were cancelled to prevent further harm and protect migrant workers.
The review also highlighted the establishment of a dedicated Police Unit within the SLBFE on September 22, 2025, aimed at strengthening investigative capacity, coordination, and enforcement efforts.
The Deputy Minister urged the public to remain vigilant by avoiding unregistered agents, exercising caution when dealing with illegal consultancies, and seeking clarification from the SLBFE before making any commitments related to foreign employment.
