Rogue overseas job agents netted
Rasika SOMARATHNA
Four rogue overseas job agents and one foreign educational
consultant, operating without authorities' approval were arrested by Sri
Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Sleuths.
The arrests had taken place in Thambuttegama, Aranayaka, Galgamuwa
and Kurunegala when fully equipped offices were established. Sleuths had
taken into custody passports, visas, medical certificates, job orders
and documents from the locations, SLBFE sources said. According to the
sources, the person arrested in Kurunegala, a registered agent of the
SLBFE had been taken to task for engaging in a foreign educational
consultancy business illegally.
In addition to recruiting migrant labourers the agent had also
engaged in a lucrative business of sending prospective students to
foreign destinations for a fee, using the same location. He had
allegedly promoted educational opportunities in Australia, New Zealand,
India and European destinations.
According to SLBFE regulations using a registered location by a
manpower recruiter for other purposes than foreign employment
prohibited. The SLBFE yesterday also voiced concern on the growing
number of rogue foreign education providers and advised the public to be
vigilant.
The SLBFE was given wide powers including permission to arrest
without warrant any errant job agent or individual.
The arrested are to be produced in Courts.
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