For Employers
Helpful Information for Foreign Employers Recruiting from Sri Lanka
- Recruitment Must Go Through SLBFE-Registered Agencies
All foreign employment recruitment from Sri Lanka is regulated by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) under the Foreign Employment Act No. 21 of 1985.
Employers must either:
Recruit through a licensed Sri Lankan recruitment agency registered with SLBFE, or
Enter into a direct employment agreement certified by the Sri Lankan mission in their country.
Working with an SLBFE-licensed agent ensures compliance, transparency, and legal protection for both employer and employee.
- Employment Contracts Must Meet Minimum Standards
- Contracts must be approved by SLBFE and written in English (and preferably translated into Sinhala or Tamil).
- Each contract should clearly state:
- Job title, duties, and duration
- Salary and payment method
- Working hours, leave, and overtime conditions
- Accommodation, meals, and transportation (if provided)
- Insurance, medical cover, and repatriation policy
- Transparent, fair contracts help prevent disputes and delays during SLBFE clearance.
For over a decade, VSR Consultants has been a trusted leader in the foreign employment industry for skilled Sri Lankan workers. With a strong global network, we connect thousands of talented Sri Lankans with rewarding career opportunities each year
- Verify Worker Qualifications and Training
Many Sri Lankan workers have NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or professional diplomas in technical, healthcare, hospitality, and construction fields.
Employers can request SLBFE-certified candidate profiles from local licensed agents.
Some categories (e.g., nursing, caregiving, engineering, welding) require specific pre-departure training or skills testing recognized by SLBFE.
Verifying training credentials ensures the worker meets international standards and reduces onboarding costs.
- Follow Ethical Recruitment & No-Exploitation Practices
- SLBFE and the International Labour Organization (ILO) promote ethical recruitment principles — meaning:
- No worker should pay illegal or excessive recruitment fees.
- Employment must be voluntary and free from coercion.
- Workers must have clear knowledge of their contract and destination.
- Ethical recruitment protects your company’s reputation and improves retention.
- Employers are encouraged to adopt “Employer Pays” recruitment models — covering visa, medical, and travel costs when possible.
- Maintain Ongoing Communication and Support
- Stay in touch with the Sri Lankan Embassy or SLBFE liaison officer in your country for:
- Visa processing and contract authentication
- Worker welfare coordination and dispute handling
- Assistance with emergency or repatriation matters
- Providing workers with orientation, fair wages, rest days, and cultural sensitivity training enhances productivity and long-term employment success.