The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a pilot program to deploy Sri Lankan workers to the Republic of Korea under the E-8 visa category, which allows for the seasonal employment of foreign nationals in agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The proposal, presented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, seeks to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yongvol Local Government Institution in South Korea. The program will create new employment opportunities for Sri Lankans while also generating valuable foreign exchange income for the country.
Diplomatic discussions have been ongoing with several local government bodies in South Korea interested in partnering with Sri Lanka for seasonal labor programs. The proposed MoU with Yongvol marks a significant step in this effort. The Attorney General has granted clearance for the agreement, paving the way for its implementation.
Under the seasonal employment program, Sri Lankans will be offered short-term work opportunities ranging from five to eight months in rural agricultural and fisheries communities in Yongvol Province.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), Kosala Wickramasinghe, confirmed that once the MoU is signed, recruitment will begin immediately through the SLBFE.
“We will take the necessary steps to recruit qualified candidates and deploy them to South Korea at the earliest opportunity,” Wickramasinghe stated.
He also issued a strong warning to job seekers, urging them not to hand over money or passports to any external parties.
“Recruitment for this program is managed solely by the Sri Lankan government through the SLBFE,” he emphasized.
The pilot program is expected to enhance bilateral labor cooperation and provide valuable overseas employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in safe, regulated conditions.
