The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism says that a large number of Sri Lankan nationals are currently facing various difficulties after travelling to countries including Malaysia, Dubai and Oman on Visit Visas, based on promises of employment.
Emphasising that a Visit Visa is not a Work Visa, the ministry urged the public not to put their money, life and future at risk and to go abroad for employment only through legal procedures.
Issuing a special notice, it warned that travelling abroad on a Visit Visa for employment can expose people to serious risks, including:
• Legal problems or arrest, as working on a Visit Visa may constitute an offence under local laws
• Not receiving the promised employment
• Not receiving wages or receiving lower wages than promised
• Becoming a victim of fraud and human trafficking
• Being detained in detention centres and/or deported
• Losing your passport
• Losing money and suffering mental distress
The ministry further urged those seeking foreign employment opportunities not to be deceived by promises such as “Go on a Visit Visa and we will change it to a Work Visa” or “You can find a job after you go there.”
It further requested citizens to protect themselves when travelling abroad for employment, ensure their safety by registering with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) and departing through the proper legal procedures.
