Sri Lanka Mandates Contract Certification for First-Time Foreign Employment Starting July 2025
Table of Contents
- Sri Lanka Mandates Contract Certification for First-Time Foreign Employment Starting July 2025
- Mandatory Certification for Key Destinations
- Exemptions for Self-Employed Professionals
- Impact on Sri Lankan Workers
- Overview of Key Changes
- Background on Sri Lankan Foreign Employment
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the new rule for Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment?
- Which countries are affected by this new foreign employment rule?
- Why is the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment implementing this rule?
- Are there any exemptions to this foreign employment contract certification requirement?
- Where can Sri Lankans get their employment contracts certified?
- What does the sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act (No. 21) cover?
Colombo, Sri Lanka – In a move to bolster the protection of it’s citizens working abroad, the Sri Lanka bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) will require first-time Sri Lankan workers in non-domestic sectors to certify their employment contracts at the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in their destination country, effective July 1, 2025. This new regulation is a mandatory step before these workers can register with the SLBFE [2].
Mandatory Certification for Key Destinations
the contract certification requirement applies specifically to Sri Lankans seeking employment in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, qatar, United Arab Emirates, oman, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea [2]. The SLBFE emphasizes that this measure is designed to ensure the transparency and authenticity of employment contracts, safeguarding the legal rights of Sri Lankan workers before they depart for overseas jobs.
Did You Know? In 2023, remittances from Sri Lankan migrant workers contributed approximately 7.5% to the country’s GDP, highlighting the economic importance of foreign employment.
Exemptions for Self-Employed Professionals
the new rule includes exemptions for individuals traveling abroad for self-employment in professional fields.These individuals can bypass the contract certification requirement by presenting their passport, which indicates their profession, or by providing other documentation that confirms their professional status in the country where they will be working [2].
According to the SLBFE, this initiative underscores the bureau’s commitment to protecting migrant workers and ensuring fair employment practices.
Impact on Sri Lankan Workers
This new mandate is expected to impact thousands of Sri Lankans seeking overseas employment opportunities. By requiring contract certification, the SLBFE aims to minimize the risk of exploitation and ensure that workers are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities before commencing employment abroad.
Pro Tip: Before seeking foreign employment, carefully review your contract and understand your rights and obligations under Sri Lankan and international labour laws.
Overview of Key Changes
| Rule | Effective Date | Affected Workers | Exemptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Contract Certification | July 1, 2025 | First-time Sri Lankan workers in non-domestic sectors | Self-employed professionals with proof of status |
Background on Sri Lankan Foreign Employment
Sri Lanka has a long history of citizens seeking employment opportunities abroad, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign employment (SLBFE) was established to regulate and oversee this sector, ensuring the welfare and protection of Sri Lankan migrant workers.The bureau plays a crucial role in facilitating ethical recruitment practices, providing pre-departure training, and assisting workers with any issues they may encounter during their employment overseas.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment act (No. 21) and the model Employment Contract regulate the conditions of employment contracts (excluding domestic workers), including travel expenses and return fares [3].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new rule for Sri Lankans seeking foreign employment?
Effective July 1, 2025, Sri lankans seeking first-time employment in non-domestic sectors abroad must have their employment contracts certified by a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission before registering with the SLBFE.
Which countries are affected by this new foreign employment rule?
This mandatory contract certification applies to Sri Lankan workers migrating to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, oman, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.
Why is the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment implementing this rule?
The SLBFE aims to enhance the protection and legal rights of Sri Lankan workers overseas by ensuring transparency and authenticity of employment contracts before they leave the country.
Are there any exemptions to this foreign employment contract certification requirement?
Yes, individuals traveling for self-employment in professional categories are exempt, provided they can present a passport indicating their profession or relevant documentation confirming their professional status in the destination country.
Where can Sri Lankans get their employment contracts certified?
Employment contracts must be certified by the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in the country where the individual will be employed prior to registering with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) [1].
What does the sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act (No. 21) cover?
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act (No. 21) and the Model Employment Contract regulate the conditions of employment contracts (excluding domestic workers), including travel expenses and return fares [3].
What are your thoughts on this new regulation? How do you think it will impact Sri Lankan workers seeking employment abroad?
