How to avoid foreign job scams
Thousands of Sri Lankans lose money — and some are trafficked or trapped — by fake agencies every year. Read this before you pay anyone. It could save your money and your safety.
Golden rule: Never pay money, hand over your passport, or sign anything until you have
confirmed the agency's licence on the official SLBFE register and have a written contract in hand.
1. Always check the SLBFE licence
Every legal foreign employment agency in Sri Lanka must be licensed by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
- Ask for the agency's SLBFE licence number.
- Search the agency on the official SLBFE registered agency search, or call the SLBFE hotline 1989.
- You can also browse the full list of licensed agencies.
- Make sure the licence is valid and not expired (licences last one year and must be renewed).
- Register your migration with SLBFE before you leave — it protects you abroad.
2. Warning signs of a scam
- Asks for large fees upfront, or payment to a personal bank account.
- No SLBFE licence, or refuses to show it.
- Pressures you to decide "today" or the job "will be gone".
- No written contract, or the contract details keep changing.
- Salary or job "too good to be true".
- Asks you to travel on a visit/tourist visa to "work".
- Only communicates through a personal Facebook profile or WhatsApp, with no office.
3. Safe steps before you go
1
Confirm the agency's SLBFE licence and visit their registered office.
2
Get the full job offer in writing: salary, hours, job role, accommodation, contract length.
3
Never give your original passport until you are sure. Keep copies of everything.
4
Register your employment with SLBFE and keep the receipt.
5
Share your contract and travel details with your family.
Report a scam: If you suspect fraud, contact SLBFE on 1989 or the Sri Lanka Police.
Reporting protects other job seekers too.