The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLFEB) has raised strong objections to the E-8 visa system, introduced for seasonal employment in South Korea, alleging irregularities and significant risks to Sri Lankan workers. SLFEB Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe disclosed that the E-8 visa agreement was unlawfully signed by a former minister without Cabinet approval or legal authorization, leading to widespread controversy and a potential diplomatic setback.
E-8 and E-9 Visa Systems
The E-8 visa allows foreigners to work in South Korea’s agricultural and fisheries sectors for short-term periods ranging from five to eight months. It is typically managed through agreements (MOUs) between South Korean local governments and their counterparts abroad. By contrast, the E-9 visa provides long-term employment opportunities (up to four years and ten months) in various industries, offering job security and legal protections.
Authorization Controversy
The E-8 visa initiative for Sri Lankan workers was reportedly authorized by a former minister through a private agreement with Wando Province in South Korea. This was done without government or Cabinet approval, bypassing the procedural requirements stipulated by both Sri Lankan and South Korean regulations. Despite claims of securing thousands of jobs, SLFEB maintains that this process lacked transparency and legitimacy.
Former Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, however, defended the E-8 visa initiative, stating that he personally negotiated with South Korean officials to secure seasonal job opportunities for Sri Lankans. He criticized the SLFEB and the current government for inefficiencies that he claims are jeopardizing these hard-won employment opportunities.
SLFEB’s Opposition
SLFEB argues that the E-8 visa system is fraught with risks due to its short-term nature, lack of oversight, and potential for exploitation. Wickramasinghe emphasized that the bureau cannot legalize an arrangement made without government approval. He warned that unauthorized recruitment under the E-8 visa could lead to large-scale overstaying and illegal employment in South Korea, further damaging Sri Lanka’s reputation.
“Overstaying after the five-month visa period is not only a violation of South Korean law but also affects Sri Lankan workers seeking legitimate jobs under the E-9 system,” Wickramasinghe stated. He highlighted that South Korea’s response to these issues has been cautious, urging Sri Lanka to adhere strictly to legal processes.
Impact on Sri Lankan Workers
The E-9 visa system has been a vital pathway for Sri Lankan workers, with approximately 30,000 currently employed in South Korea. The system ensures annual job placements for around 6,000 workers, contributing significantly to their earnings and national remittances. Any disruption caused by controversies surrounding the E-8 visa could jeopardize these opportunities, as South Korean authorities might reconsider their labor quotas for Sri Lanka.
Wickramasinghe warned that allowing E-8 visa workers to overstay illegally would strain diplomatic relations and harm the credibility of Sri Lanka’s employment processes. Conversely, Nanayakkara argued that failing to utilize E-8 visa opportunities would result in these jobs being allocated to other Asian countries, further isolating Sri Lanka from seasonal employment markets.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The E-8 visa system offers seasonal jobs with potential earnings of around Rs. 700,000 per month over five to eight months. However, private agents have reportedly charged workers exorbitant fees—up to Rs. 2 million—for placements, often misleading them about the nature and duration of the jobs.
While these jobs could provide much-needed income to Sri Lankan workers, the absence of proper regulation raises concerns about exploitation and the potential for human trafficking. Moreover, SLFEB contends that Sri Lankan workers should focus on long-term, secure opportunities under the E-9 system rather than risk their future on short-term arrangements.
Future of E-8 and E-9 Visas
As SLFEB continues its opposition to the E-8 visa system, it has called on job seekers to avoid falling prey to unauthorized agents. The bureau is working to strengthen the legal E-9 visa program, which offers better stability and protections for workers. However, with growing political and public pressure, the government faces the challenge of balancing economic opportunities with regulatory compliance.
The controversy highlights the need for a cohesive policy framework to manage overseas employment while protecting workers’ rights and maintaining Sri Lanka’s international reputation.
Ajith Perakum Jayasinghe