Foreign job scams under scrutiny as Sri Lanka readies major law overhaul

Sri Lanka would overhaul its foreign employment framework within months, stepping up efforts to curb illegal migration after a growing number of citizens were rescued from cybercrime camps in Myanmar and conflict zones in Russia, the officials said.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath issued a stark warning that organised trafficking networks are increasingly exploiting the economic pressures and social media to lure Sri Lankans abroad through illegal channels, often disguising jobs as short-term travel opportunities.

“We have intervened to rescue the Sri Lankans trapped in cyber-slave camps in Myanmar and those illegally recruited for conflicts but people continue to fall prey to these scams,” Herath said, addressing a press conference yesterday.

He urged the public to reject the overseas job offers made through visit visas. He said such arrangements have become the primary route used by the human smugglers to bypass the regulations and exploit the vulnerable job seekers.