How to find Foreign Jobs – for Sri Lankans

According to Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Finding overseas foreign employment is relatively easier than finding employment locally.

Foreign jobs are available in many categories to suit your qualification level: skilled workers, graduates and professionals .


The skilled manpower from Sri Lanka includes Engineers, Accountants, Architects, Doctors, Teachers, Lawyers, Bankers, Hotel / Restaurant personnel, Receptionists, Nurses, Paramedics, Computer Operators, Programmers and System Analysts. You can also find jobs in other categories such as Machine Operators, Factory Workers, Welders, Fitters, Motor Mechanics, Heavy-Duty Vehicle Drivers, Dockyard Workers, Telecommunication Technicians, Seamen, Labourers and Domestic Workers.

Though you can get an unskilled job in a middle eastern country, if you have a degree plus very specialized expertise then you can get a good job and earn huge salary, and getting a temporary employment visa is also easy for qualified professionals.

You can find jobs in Domestic, Manufacturing sector, Construction, Mechanical, Hotels, Hospitals, Banks, Transport Companies, IT Firms, Call Centers etc.

Some websites and places you can find foreign employment and advice:

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) –

It is the governemtn organization looking after the welfare aspects of Sri Lanka’s migrant workers and their families. Their website provides employees as well as prospective employers with a wealth of information ranging from the basic services of the SLBFE to important contact details and some insight into the important rules and regulations that govern Sri Lanka’s Foreign Employment Trade.

Contact Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE):

Website: http://www.slbfe.lk/
234, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha
Koswatta, Battaramulla
+94 112 864101 – 105
+94 112880500

24 Hour Service: +94 11 2879900 – 902
Fax :+ 94 11 2879903
E-mail : infor_center@slbfe.lk

This website contains wealth of information on Foreign employment. You can check information on following areas:

• Deciding on Foreign Employment
• Finding Employment through an Agent/ Friend
• Recruitment Procedure
• Pre departure training
• Job Agreements
• Preparing for the Journey
• Working Abroad
• Obtaining License
• Approval to Recruit

Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency (SLFEA) -

Government owned leading manpower recruiting agency in Sri Lanka. It is a subsidiary of Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. They have recruited several thousands of skilled and semi skilled workers for various clients in East Asian, West Asian and European countries. They have a Government listed Data Base of CVs from various sectors for job selection for your requirement.

Contact Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency (SLFEA):

Website: http://www.slfea.lk/
No. 12, Narahenpita Road,
Nawala, Sri Lanka

General Information and Queries
Tel: (+94) 11 2807400
Fax: (+94) 11 2808200
Email: info@slfea.lk
Web: www.slfea.lk

Recruitment Services and Job Orders
Tel: (+94) 11 2807400
Fax: (+94) 11 2808200
Email: chairman@slfea.lk

Other Important Links

Foreign Missions (Embassies) http://www.embassyinformation.com/
Current Vacancies available at SLFEA http://www.slfea.lk/vacancies.htm