A new amendment will be introduced to the registration procedure for Sri Lankans seeking self-directed employment abroad, according to SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced that, under the new process, employers abroad must certify employment agreements by submitting relevant documents to the Sri Lankan mission in their respective countries before registration can be granted.
A registration fee of USD 60 will be charged for this process, the SLBFE stated.
The new regulation will be implemented in its first phase from 1st of July 2025, covering 15 diplomatic service sectors across 13 countries where SLBFE labor missions are operational.
This requirement will only apply to non-professional job categories; professional categories, as listed on the SLBFE website, will be exempt if proper documentation is provided or if the profession is stated in the passport.
To qualify for exemption, applicants must either submit proof of their professional qualifications at the time of registration or ensure the profession is clearly indicated in their passport.
Chairman Wickramasinghe highlighted that many Sri Lankans seeking employment through self-directed channels have fallen victim to fraud and exploitation by intermediaries.
The new regulation aims to strengthen job security and ensure that migrant workers return to Sri Lanka with valid contracts, agreed salaries, and on time after completing their service.
While the system will initially apply only to countries with SLBFE labor missions, it is expected to expand to other destinations based on its effectiveness.
Chairman Wickramasinghe emphasized that protecting Sri Lankan migrant workers is a national responsibility, and this initiative marks a significant step toward achieving that goal.
