A special investigation unit, consisting of police officers, was launched at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)’s head office to look into complaints regarding foreign jobs and provide swift solutions, yesterday (18)

The unit is staffed by 16 police officers led by a Chief Inspector.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra stated that the unit was established with the goal of preventing foreign employment frauds and providing relief to victims by addressing their complaints soon. 

He noted that the number of complaints has increased recently, primarily due to the deceptive tactics of fraudulent agencies. Although some agencies are registered with the SLBFE but several agencies are not registered with the Bureau.

The Deputy Minister added that the primary task of the new unit is to provide effective and swift solutions for complainants.

He also mentioned that while public trust in the SLBFE was damaged in the past due to certain politicians, this situation has completely changed now.

He further stated that the Foreign Employment Bureau Act will either be amended, or a new act will be introduced to take the necessary steps to regulate the foreign employment sector.

The ceremony was attended by SLBFE Chairman Kosala Wickremesinghe, Assistant Superintendent of Police of the Central Criminal Investigation Bureau B.M.T. Basnayake, SLBFE General Manager D.D.P. Senanayake, and other officials.