Special police unit set up to tackle foreign employment fraud

Colombo, September 19 (Daily Mirror) - A special investigation unit comprising police officers was inaugurated yesterday (18) at the head office of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to investigate and swiftly resolve complaints related to foreign employment. The unit includes 16 police officers, led by a Chief Inspector.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra said the unit was established with the aim of curbing fraud in the foreign employment sector and providing relief to Sri Lankan expatriates by ensuring prompt solutions to complaints.

He said that the number of complaints had risen in recent months due to fraudsters constantly adopting new tactics. “Some operate as unregistered agencies, while a smaller group poses as registered agencies. Others disguise themselves as consulting institutions or manipulate visit visa processes to deceive people. These are the complaints we are receiving now,” he explained.

The Deputy Minister also acknowledged that the bureau’s reputation had been tarnished in the past due to political interference, but assured that the current administration was restoring public trust. Established in 1985, the bureau has been functioning as the country’s Foreign Employment Regulatory Authority.

“Although many people come to us with hopes of going abroad for work, the majority approach us with complaints or grievances. Our responsibility is to provide effective and prompt solutions,” he said.

Hemachandra further added that the government is considering amending the Foreign Employment Bureau Act, or introducing a new act if necessary, to strengthen regulation of the sector.