SLBFE cracks down illegal job agencies

Suraj A Bandara

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has cracked down on 78 illegal foreign employment agencies during last 11 months. The Bureau launched special investigations to provide a better service for the immigrant workers through the Sri Lankan employment agencies recently.

A Special Unit of the SLBFE seized another illegal job agency in Nikaweratiya recently. The agency owner was evading the police for a long time when he was found guilty for the same offense earlier.

The suspect was arrested with four supporters and they were produced before the court. Nikaweratiya Magistrate fined him Rs 125,000 when he pleaded guilty. Meanwhile, the Bureau hunted down few fraudulent agencies that were operating in Kurunegala, Maggona, Galgamuwa, and Kadugannawa on a search operation.

The Bureau on a tip off arrested a suspect who has produced fake documents to people who were unable to go abroad due to document problems. A large number of Sri Lankan workers overseas are facing various difficulties due to the recruitment by these illegal agencies, the Bureau sources said.