E-8 Visa to South Korea Unauthorized – SLBFE

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), Kosala Wickramasinghe, has clarified that the E-8 visa agreement with South Korea, signed by a former minister, lacked both Cabinet approval and formal government authorization. This revelation follows public confusion and concerns over the legitimacy of the E-8 visa for Sri Lankan workers.

Key Points:

• Unauthorized E-8 Visa Agreement: Wickramasinghe stated that the former minister initiated the E-8 visa deal with Wando Province in South Korea independently, without seeking the necessary government approvals. This visa allows only short-term, five-month employment, raising concerns over worker security and oversight.
• Misconceptions and Unauthorized Agencies: He emphasized that no private employment agencies in Sri Lanka are permitted to facilitate or charge fees for E-8 visa placements, addressing public misconceptions. The SLBFE remains committed to ensuring that no unauthorized employment agencies exploit job seekers for this visa category.

• South Korean Government Concerns: Upon learning of the unauthorized E-8 arrangement, South Korean authorities expressed apprehension and advised Sri Lanka against proceeding with worker placements under this short-term visa.
• Legal Pathway with E-9 Visa: Wickramasinghe reaffirmed the E-9 visa, offering a stable employment term of nearly five years, as the legally sanctioned route. He noted that over 7,000 Sri Lankans are expected to be sent to South Korea under the E-9 program by year-end, benefiting from long-term job security and substantial income.

The SLBFE advises Sri Lankan job seekers to disregard any offers involving the E-8 visa, warning against payments for unapproved job placements and reaffirming the stability and benefits of the authorized E-9 visa program.

Update from: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)

Last modified: October 30, 2024