SLBFE Recovers Hundreds of Millions as Crackdown on Overseas Job Scams Intensifies
January 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Bureau of Foreign Employment has reclaimed more than Rs. 374 million on behalf of migrant job seekers who were cheated by individuals and unauthorised recruitment operators during 2025, highlighting an intensified push to combat overseas employment fraud.
The Bureau said the recoveries followed a series of investigations and court actions triggered by public complaints, as well as targeted enforcement operations carried out under the direction of Deputy General Manager Nelum Samarasekera.
These efforts focused on dismantling networks involved in deceptive recruitment practices and false promises of foreign jobs.
Official figures show that nearly 4,800 complaints linked to overseas employment were lodged with the Bureau over the past year, leading to the filing of 791 cases in courts across the country. Many of these cases involved financial exploitation, forged documents and unauthorised intermediaries operating outside the law.
As part of its enforcement drive, the Special Investigation Division conducted 20 raids, including action against two registered recruitment agencies found to be violating regulations. In total, 121 suspects were taken into custody, among them several individuals connected to licensed agencies.
To further strengthen oversight, the SLBFE established a dedicated police unit within the organisation last year, staffed by specially trained officers. The Bureau says this unit has improved the speed and transparency of investigations, while ensuring that offenders are held accountable.
Amid a rise in scams promoted through social media and online messaging platforms, the SLBFE has once again cautioned prospective migrant workers to exercise vigilance. Job seekers are advised to verify the legitimacy of any overseas employment offer by contacting the Bureau’s 1989 hotline before handing over money, personal documents or passports to recruiters.
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