791 cases filed over foreign employment scams – SLBFE

A total of 791 court cases were filed against foreign employment fraudsters during the past year, while 4,734 complaints related to foreign employment were received during the same period

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said that it has recovered more than Rs. 374 million for victims who filed complaints against individuals and unlicensed employment agencies involved in foreign employment fraud during 2025.   

The Bureau said the recoveries were made following legal action taken after special raids conducted on the instructions of its Deputy General Manager Nelum Samarasekera,as well as investigations launched based on complaints received by the institution.   

According to the SLBFE, a total of 791 court cases were filed against foreign employment fraudsters during the past year, while 4,734 complaints related to foreign employment were received during the same period.   

The Bureau’s Special Investigation Division carried out 20 raids during the year, including operations against two licensed foreign employment agencies found to be engaged in illegal activities. As a result, 121 individuals were arrested, including 15 persons linked to licensed agencies.   

Meanwhile, the SLBFE said a special police unit comprising specially trained officers was established within the Bureau last year to strengthen efforts to prevent foreign employment fraud. The Bureau noted that steps have been taken to ensure complaints are resolved promptly and transparently, and that offenders are brought to justice.   

With an increase in fraud conducted through social media platforms offering overseas employment, the SLBFE urged job seekers to verify information by calling the Bureau’s 1989 hotline before handing over money or passports to any individual or agency.