The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) reported that 311,000 Sri Lankans secured overseas employment in 2024.
This year, the SLBFE aims to increase the number of overseas job placements to 340,000, representing a 12% growth. Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe revealed the target during an awareness program for newly licensed foreign employment agents held on Jan. 23.
The bureau plans to enhance recruitment processes while tackling fraudulent practices in the industry. Wickramasinghe stressed the need for regulation, citing reports of malpractice by some licensed agencies. He said legal action would be taken against offenders to safeguard workers.
The SLBFE expects the initiative to boost foreign remittances, a critical component of Sri Lanka’s economy. (NewsWire)