Foreign Ministry Warns Sri Lankans Against Seeking Overseas Employment on Visit Visas

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism states that the problems faced by Sri Lankans who have traveled abroad on tourist visas, or Visit Visas, have increased significantly.

This is due to fraudulent activities promising employment in countries including Malaysia, Dubai, and Oman.

The Ministry strongly urges Sri Lankans not to depart for foreign employment using Visit Visas.

It is reported that the main issues faced by those traveling abroad on tourist visas include not receiving the promised job or salary, receiving lower wages, falling victim to human trafficking and scams, facing legal issues or arrest, being held in detention centers, or being deported from the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism requests that anyone departing for foreign employment must compulsorily register with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) and travel abroad only by following proper legal procedures.