Foreign employment agency raided for operating despite licence suspension

Colombo, Nov. 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Special Investigation Unit of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has raided a foreign employment agency that continued to recruit workers despite its licence being temporarily suspended over allegations of fraud.

Acting on information that the agency was operating illegally from Sri Priyadarshanarama Mawatha in Maradana, SLBFE officers conducted a raid yesterday (20). Investigations revealed that Ideal Manpower, which had its licence suspended following 85 complaints related to foreign employment fraud, had resumed operations at a different location despite the ban.

Officers arrested the licence holder of the agency along with three staff members. A total of 256 passports and other documents found at the premises were seized.

The suspects are expected to be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today (21).

The SLBFE urges all job seekers to verify the legitimacy of any institution before handing over money or passports. Information on Suspended Job Agency Busted in Maradana; Hundreds of Passports Seized

In a major crackdown on illegal foreign job operations, the Special Investigation Unit of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) raided an agency in Maradana that was functioning despite a temporary suspension order.

The raid, carried out yesterday (20) on Sri Priyadarshanarama Mawatha, uncovered that Ideal Manpower—an agency already suspended over 85 fraud-related complaints—had shifted locations and resumed recruiting without SLBFE approval.

SLBFE officers arrested the agency’s licence holder and three employees. A stock of 256 passports and related documents was also taken into custody, raising concerns over the scale of the alleged racket.

The suspects are to be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today (21).

Authorities warn job seekers to be vigilant and verify the credentials of any recruitment agency through the official website www.slbfe.lk or hotline 1989 before handing over money or personal documents.licensed agencies and approved job orders can be obtained through the Bureau’s website www.slbfe.lk or by calling the hotline 1989.