Applications open today for Sri Lankan workers seeking employment in Israel’s restaurant and renovation sectors, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced.

The Bureau said its official web portal www.slbfe.lk will allow qualified applicants to register online. 

For the restaurant sector, the portal opens at 12.00 noon today to register 4,000 applicants. Eligible candidates are men aged 25–40, with at least one year’s experience in a restaurant kitchen, eight years of schooling, and good English proficiency. 

Applicants must also be physically and mentally fit, and only those who have not previously worked in Israel, nor have immediate family members employed there, can apply.

For the renovation sector, registration will open tomorrow at 2.00 pm, with 12,000 slots available across four fields: plastering and gypsum board work, electrical box installation and block wall construction, carpentry, and ceramic tiling. 

Each category will take 3,000 applicants. Eligible candidates are men aged 25–45, with ten years of schooling and basic English knowledge, subject to the same restrictions on prior employment in Israel.

The Bureau noted that those who previously failed the final test for construction jobs cannot reapply, though applicants from other Israeli job categories may apply for these four fields. 

Selection will be conducted by qualified Israeli representatives, who will test applicants’ professional skills. 

The SLBFE urged job seekers to apply only for sectors where they have genuine experience and qualifications. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has set in motion arrangements to send 10,000 workers for employment in Israel during 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath announced.

He made the statement while granting travel permits to 164 workers scheduled to depart for jobs in Israel’s construction and infrastructure sector, stressing that the initiative is being carried out under a systematic and transparent procedure.

So far, 2,500 Sri Lankans have already been deployed to Israel this year, while job opportunities are prepared for another 6,500 workers. 

In addition, a further 1,000 positions are expected to open in a new sector, helping meet the overall target of 10,000, the minister said. 

Minister Herath emphasized that through official registration at the Foreign Employment Bureau, Sri Lankans can now secure overseas employment opportunities at low cost and with greater reliability, turning their foreign employment aspirations into reality. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide stable employment opportunities for national-level athletes in state, semi‑state, and established institutions. 

The initiative, presented by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to retain athletes with exceptional skills in the national sports system and encourage them to achieve international victories.

The framework introduces a fair, merit‑based selection process to ensure long‑term job security for athletes. 

According to the government, Sri Lanka has produced many athletes with outstanding talent and international achievements, but the lack of permanent employment has forced some to retire prematurely, weakening the country’s competitiveness.

Currently, the number of permanent positions available for athletes in the tri‑forces and sports institutions remains limited. 

The new framework is designed to address this gap by securing livelihoods, preserving skills, and strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence in international sports. (Newswire)

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More than 300,000 Sri Lankans have left the country for overseas employment during the course of 2025, official data showed.

As of December 19, a total of 300,191 Sri Lankans had migrated abroad for work, marking the third time in the past decade that annual foreign employment departures have exceeded 300,000.

In 2024, a total of 314,673 Sri Lankans travelled overseas for employment.

Data for 2025 shows that 184,085 male workers and 116,106 female workers left the country for jobs abroad during the year.

Of the total departures, 194,982 workers migrated through self-arranged channels, while 105,209 left through licensed foreign employment agencies.

Kuwait remained the top destination for Sri Lankan migrant workers, with 75,200 departures recorded in 2025. The United Arab Emirates ranked second, with 57,037 Sri Lankans travelling there for employment.

Statistics from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment also indicate a growing trend of Sri Lankans seeking jobs in countries such as South Korea, Israel, Romania, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan compared to previous years.

During 2025, a total of 6,272 Sri Lankans travelled to South Korea for employment, while 12,728 left for jobs in Israel. Romania recorded 12,180 Sri Lankan workers, and 10,717 travelled to Japan for work.

Foreign employment continued to play a key role in Sri Lanka’s economy, with worker remittances amounting to USD 7.19 billion during the first 11 months of 2025. In November alone, remittances totalled USD 673.4 million.

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The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) says a total of 3,712 young Sri Lankan men and women left for employment opportunities in South Korea during the year 2025. 

According to the SLBFE, 54 youths, including 06 women, qualified for jobs in South Korea’s manufacturing sector departed on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 470 on Tuesday (16). 

This group is recorded as the 939th batch of Sri Lankans to secure employment in South Korea.

Recently, there has been a growing trend of young women also seeking employment in South Korea. Accordingly, 132 women have departed for jobs there in 2025.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding between the SLBFE and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, these job opportunities are provided under the E‑9 visa category. Employment is available in manufacturing, construction, fisheries, agriculture, and service sectors.

Beneficiaries are permitted to stay in South Korea for a period of 4 years and 10 months. After completing the stipulated period and returning to Sri Lanka, workers are allowed to re‑enter South Korea. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) says a total of 3,469 Sri Lankan youth have departed for employment opportunities in South Korea during the course of 2025.

The SLBFE said in a statement that a group of 77 qualified individuals, including 2 women, left for jobs in South Korea’s manufacturing sector on November 11. 

These employment opportunities are facilitated under the E-9 visa category, based on a bilateral agreement between the SLBFE and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea. The E-9 visa enables Sri Lankans to work in manufacturing, construction, fisheries, and agriculture.

Candidates are selected through a transparent online process, with computer-based examinations. The SLBFE emphasizes that no external influence can affect the selection process.

Accordingly, during this year, 836 individuals have departed for jobs in the fisheries sector, 2,512 individuals for the manufacturing sector, 28 individuals for construction jobs, 32 individuals for the service sector, and 2 individuals for the agriculture sector. 

Successful candidates are permitted to stay in South Korea for 4 years and 10 months, and upon completion of their term, they may be eligible to re-enter under stipulated conditions. (Newswire)

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Three suspects have been arrested in Bambalapitiya for financially defrauding the public, promising jobs in Canada. 

According to the Police, the suspects were arrested with a fake visa sticker by officials from the Bambalapitiya Police Station, yesterday (25). 

The arrested suspects are a 69-year-old man from Borella, and two women aged 26 and 68, from the Gonagangaara and Borella areas.

Police investigations have found that one female suspect had defrauded Rs. 3,831,000 and Rs. 3,436,000, promising to send people to Canada. 

The Bambalapitiya Police have launched a probe to find out if the suspects were involved in other similar scams. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arun Hemachandra, says investigations will be launched by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) into fraudulent intermediaries who interfere with the recruitment of Sri Lankan caregivers in Israel. 

He made the remark during a discussion on the issues within the formal employment framework between Israel and Sri Lanka, which was held yesterday (01 Sept).

Officials from Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) participated in the discussion held under the aegis of Deputy Minister Aruna Hemachandra. Two key concerns were highlighted during the meeting. 

The first focused on complaints related to the recruitment of Sri Lankan caregivers in Israel. 

These included undue influence by intermediaries, demands for money, coercion to transfer land or property in lieu of payment, and other forms of financial exploitation. 

The discussion emphasized the need to take legal action against these fraudulent intermediaries who interfere with the recruitment process. 

The Deputy Minister stated that investigations would be conducted through the Department of Criminal Investigation (CID) and that the caregiver recruitment system would be made more transparent and streamlined.

The second issue addressed problems within Israel’s hotel employment sector. 

Based on the positive feedback received, attention was drawn to the need for swift intervention to resolve these concerns effectively. (Newswire)

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning roles recorded a significant 42 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in June 2025, highlighted the Monthly Economic Review released by the Department of Economic Affairs.

The report also stated that hiring in Global Capability Centres (GCCs) also rose by 9 per cent YoY, reflecting India’s expanding role in global services delivery.

It stated, “AI and machine learning roles saw 42 per cent YoY growth.”

The report further highlighted that fresher hiring witnessed a notable 11 per cent YoY rise in June 2025, pointing to improved employment opportunities for new entrants.

The overall labour market remained steady, with white-collar hiring showing a strong rebound, supported by a double-digit growth on a yearly basis.

Formal job creation continued to gain momentum, with the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) recording an all-time high in net member additions during May 2025. The EPFO added 20.06 lakh members in May, the highest monthly figure since it began tracking payroll data in April 2018.

The department also cited findings from the Naukri JobSpeak June 2025 report, which confirmed a revival in India’s white-collar job market.

The hiring index rose to 2,854 in June 2025, registering a 10.5 per cent YoY increase in hiring activity across sectors, cities, and experience levels.

The rise in hiring was led by the insurance sector, which saw a 32 per cent YoY jump. It was followed by hospitality and travel at 21 per cent, BPO and ITES at 19 per cent, real estate at 16 per cent, oil and gas/power at 15 per cent, healthcare at 11 per cent, and education and FMCG at 10 per cent.

India’s manufacturing and services sectors also continued to contribute to job creation. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) employment sub-index stayed in the expansionary zone for the 16th consecutive month.

While manufacturing employment growth increased, the services sector saw a slight easing from the record levels achieved in May 2025.

An analysis of EPFO’s new subscriber data for May 2025 showed that 59.5 per cent of new members were in the 18-25 age group, 22.8 per cent were aged 26-35, and 16.6 per cent were over 35.

This indicates that a large portion of the organised workforce is made up of young adults, primarily first-time job seekers.

The report concluded that the increase in formal job creation and workforce participation reflects the consistent efforts by the government to generate employment opportunities for the country’s aspiring workforce. (ANI)

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The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is taking steps to enhance the language proficiency and training of Sri Lankans seeking employment in Japan, aiming to improve the overall quality of the workforce, SLBFE General Manager D.D.P. Senanayake said.

He made these remarks during a meeting yesterday (28) with Kimura Hisayoshi, Chairman of IM Japan, and Managing Director Masahiko Fukagawa, who are currently visiting Sri Lanka. The meeting was held with the senior management of the SLBFE.

Senanayake noted that there is a high demand for Sri Lankans in Japan’s caregiving sector. In response, the IM Japan Chairman proposed increasing the number of trained caregivers and maintaining a pool of trained individuals ready for deployment.

Kimura also agreed to support the SLBFE in conducting training sessions required for the Skills Proficiency Tests related to Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program.

Stating that more applicants are joining the program through awareness shared by senior trainees and returning workers, Senanayake emphasized the value of communicating the program’s benefits through those with firsthand experience.

During the meeting, air tickets were officially handed over to 12 technical interns who departed for Japan yesterday, along with 8 workers scheduled to leave on August 3 under the SSW program.

The event was attended by SLBFE Additional General Manager (International Affairs) P.G.G.S. Yapa, Senior Manager (Recruitment) Susil Kumarapeli, Recruitment Manager Ananda Premasiri, and IM Japan Colombo Office representatives Tamura and Shigiyoka.

These employment opportunities are facilitated under the Memorandum of Understanding between the SLBFE and IM Japan. So far, 600 Sri Lankans have secured jobs under the Technical Intern Training Program, while 51 have been placed under the SSW program. (Newswire)

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In a bold and necessary step toward transforming Sri Lanka’s recruitment landscape, BConnected, announces a dedicated initiative under the banner “Disability-Inclusive Hiring, Simplified.” Set to take place on Thursday 31st of July 2025, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka, this full-day event is designed to give organizations the opportunity to meet and engage directly with work-ready persons with disabilities.

This effort forms part of the broader BEmpowered programme, launched in September 2024 by BConnected, which aims to close the gap between training and meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities. Through skills development, awareness-building, and practical connection points with the private sector, the programme works to remove longstanding barriers to employment and shift how disability inclusion is understood and practiced across industries. 

“We’ve seen firsthand how much ability goes unseen,” shares Felicia Adhihetty, Managing Director, BConnected. “These candidates have already done the hard part. They’ve trained. They’ve persevered. Now they are simply waiting to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are and what they can do. This event is about dignity, and about showing companies that inclusive hiring doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to start somewhere.”

To support that start, the event adopts a curated, interactive format designed to remove bureaucracy and foster real human connection. Hence, to enable a seamless experience, the event adopts a curated, interactive format where employers can access candidates seated in accessible zones, guided by pre-shared candidate profiles. The format allows hiring teams to make meaningful connections in an environment that is respectful, direct, and efficient.

Adding strength to the initiative, Solutions Ground Pvt Ltd, an international boutique consultancy known for its work in leadership development and workforce transformation, has volunteered to serve as the official implementing partner. The firm brings its expertise in training, facilitation, and personal coaching to ensure the experience is both seamless and impactful. “This is who we are,” said Lakshan Madurasinghe, CEO and Founder of Solutions Ground. “We are proud to create this experience for those who have the talent but have never had access. For many of these individuals, all they’ve ever needed is a single opportunity to begin. This event is designed to be that turning point, and become a chance to open the door to careers, confidence, and the recognition they deserve.”

Employers are encouraged to send their HR leads, DEI champions, and/or recruitment managers to participate. By engaging with this carefully selected pool of candidates, organizations gain access to a previously untapped segment of the workforce which is skilled, eager, and ready to contribute. To confirm participation, organizations can scan the QR code attached to this release, which links directly to the registration form. Participation is free of charge and spaces will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. For registration and more information contact: 072 128 1140.

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A total of 144,379 Sri Lankan workers left overseas for employment between January and June 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

Of them, 88,684 were male workers, reflecting a notable increase in male labour migration compared to females, of whom 55,695 migrated for jobs during the same period.

Kuwait emerged as the top destination with 38,806 Sri Lankans employed, followed by the UAE (28,973) and Qatar (21,958).

The SLBFE also noted a growing trend of Sri Lankans moving to East Asian nations. Japan welcomed 6,073 Sri Lankan workers, while South Korea received 3,134 Sri Lankans.

Meanwhile, foreign remittances by Sri Lankan migrant workers amounted to USD 3.73 billion during the first six months of 2025, an 18.9% increase from the USD 3.14 billion received in the same period in 2024.

In June alone, remittances stood at USD 635.7 million. The SLBFE anticipates that total remittances for 2025 will surpass USD 7 billion. (Newswire)

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The Italian government on Monday approved a new decree setting annual quotas for the admission of non-European Union (EU) workers, allowing up to 497,550 individuals to enter the country for employment over the next three years.

According to an official statement from the cabinet, the quotas will cover the period from 2026 to 2028 and include 230,550 permits for non-seasonal and self-employment, along with 267,000 permits for seasonal work in sectors such as agriculture and tourism.

The government said the decision was based on input from social partners and an evaluation of work permit applications submitted in recent years. These new quotas add to the approximately 450,000 migrant work visas issued between 2023 and 2025.

Since taking office in October 2022, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing administration has tightened measures against irregular immigration, focusing on reducing arrivals via sea routes and accelerating repatriations. Simultaneously, the government has emphasized its commitment to managing labour migration in line with Italy’s economic and demographic needs.

Data from the Ministry of the Interior shows that as of June 30, a total of 29,903 migrants had arrived in Italy by sea in 2025, up from 26,015 during the same period in 2024.

Meanwhile, 87 migrants were rescued on Monday during a maritime operation in the Mediterranean between Tunisia and Italy, and brought to the Italian island of Lampedusa, according to local media reports.

The group, primarily from African countries including Sudan, Cameroon, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal, had initially been assisted by Tunisian fishermen after their vessel encountered difficulties. The Italian coastguard later completed the rescue.

State broadcaster Rai News 24 reported that the boat had departed from Tunisia and capsized approximately 70 km off the coast of Lampedusa during the night between Sunday and Monday.

Among those rescued were ten minors. According to the coastguard, authorities believe at least five people drowned before rescuers arrived. (Xinhua)

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Sri Lanka Police has released a video of a senior Police Officer outlining the rules for joining the Police Force.

In his speech, the Police officer is seen stating that individuals with tattoos will not be recruited by the Police Department or the Tri-Forces.

“You may have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. But if you have a tattoo you will not be recruited by Sri Lanka Police or for any of the tri-forces. The skin is the biggest organ of the body. Destroying your skin is not a good thing,” he said. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted for the implementation of the seasonal worker program introduced by South Korea under the E-8 visa category, as a pilot project in Sri Lanka. 

According to the government, the seasonal worker program has been introduced by the South Korean Government under the E-8 visa category to address the scarcity of labour in the agriculture and fisheries sectors in their country. 

Thereby, an opportunity has been provided for South Korea’s provincial council institutes to recruit foreign workers legally for the short term. 

Accordingly, a consensus has been expressed by the provincial and municipal councils (states) of South Korea to establish cooperation between both parties to provide opportunities for Sri Lankan workers under this program. 

As such, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Foreign Employment to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant states of South Korea for the implementation of the pilot project.

Under the proposed pilot project, Sri Lankan workers will be eligible to serve for up to three (3) terms within a maximum period of 3 years. (Newswire)

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The brother of former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, who was accused of financially defrauding people by promising foreign employment, has been further remanded.

The Gampaha Magistrate’s Court today further remanded Thisara Nanayakkara until 17 January 2025.

Thisara Nanayakkara was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on 28 December 2024 in connection with the alleged financial fraud.

The arrest was made in the Bibile area following a complaint regarding a financial scam involving promises of foreign employment opportunities in Finland.

According to Police, the suspect had allegedly demanded Rs. 4 million, out of which Rs. 3 million had been collected, under the pretence of securing foreign employment for individuals. (Newswire)

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A group of hundred (100) Sri Lankan migrant workers left for South Korea this week for employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said.

According to the SLBFE, the group which left on Tuesday (Aug 06), consists of 08 women and 92 men and is the 873rd group to leave for South Korea.

The SLBFE said that as of August of this year, 3694 Sri Lankan migrant workers have left for employment in South Korea. (Newswire)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry says Poland is considering looking at offering Sri Lankan workers employment in targeted sectors.

In a statement on ‘X’, Minister Sabry said the initiative has been proposed via a government-to-government (G2G) agreement for employment. 

The Foreign Minister further said that Poland was also considering easing visa facilitations for Sri Lankans. 

“I thank my counterpart @sikorskiradek for proposing this novel initiative at my request @PolandMFA @MFA_SriLanka,” he added, in his message on ‘X’. 

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry’s statement comes, as he concludes a successful visit to Poland. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Foreign Employment has taken measures to address issues caused by some unskilled Sri Lankan workers who were sent for employment in Israel.

Subject Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said due to an emergency situation in Israel two years ago, even unskilled workers were requested from Sri Lanka. 

He said however, that due to problems caused by the behaviour and work efficiency of some of these Sri Lankans, agricultural entrepreneurs in Israel are now reluctant to hire Sri Lankan workers.

Minister Manusha Nanayakkara explained that this situation arose because some Sri Lankan workers in Israel began to engage in protests similar to those in Sri Lanka. 

He stressed that while it is true that disturbances caused by these workers have jeopardized job opportunities in Israel, he warned strict action would be taken against such behaviour and that he would not hesitate to call these workers back to Sri Lanka if necessary.

As a solution to this issue, he said a program has been planned to invite Israeli agricultural entrepreneurs to Sri Lanka and let them interview suitable individuals.

The minister noted that only workers who have passed background checks, prepared necessary documents such as police reports, and have been selected through the Israeli lottery will be considered for these jobs.

He added that new workers will have the opportunity to go to Israel after nearly eight thousand selected individuals have been sent.

In addition to the agricultural sector, Minister Nanayakkara pointed out that there are many job opportunities in construction, nursing, and hotels in Israel. 

“Workers not qualified for the agricultural sector but who are currently eligible to go to Israel will have the chance to apply for these other job opportunities,” he said. 

Revealing that it was also reported that workers are needed for large-scale construction projects in Israel, he said an agreement was reached to give the currently selected workers opportunities in these projects. 

Accordingly, Sri Lankans will have the chance to work on massive constructions such as highways and railways in Israel.

Employment opportunities for Sri Lankans and the situation of Sri Lankans currently working in Israel were discussed during a meeting between Minister Manusha Nanayakkara and the Israeli Ambassador to Sri Lanka Naor Gilon at the Ministry of Labour in Narahenpita. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has announced the examination dates for Skill Tests for Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) conducted by the Japanese Government in Sri Lanka. 

According to the SLBFE, the examinations are being conducted in July for the Basic Language Test, Nursing Care Worker, and Food Service, Agriculture, Construction, and Accommodation Industries.

The Skill Test is scheduled to be held at the Australian College of Business and Technology (ACBT) institute located in Colombo 05 on the said dates. 

Following are more details on the Skill Tests for Japan’s Specified Skilled Workers;

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