Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath announced in Parliament that Sri Lanka officially recognizes only two categories of visas for employment in Korea—E-09 and E-07. The E-09 visa, issued under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Korea and Sri Lanka, facilitates employment opportunities for Sri Lankans, while the E-07 visa is designated for Sri Lankan businesspersons conducting activities in Korea.
Responding to a query from MP Lakmali Hemachandra, Minister Herath clarified that the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) has neither facilitated nor been informed about the issuance of E-08 visas. Consequently, the number of Sri Lankans who traveled to Korea under this visa category remains unknown, and SLFEB cannot intervene in cases where these workers face difficulties abroad.
Minister Herath disclosed that the E-08 visa category is not legally recognized for Sri Lankan workers in Korea. An investigation revealed that former Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara had signed an illegal MoU regarding E-08 visas with the Mayor of Wando Province County in Korea. The Minister highlighted irregularities, stating that the MoU was not approved by the Cabinet as required and appeared to have been adapted erroneously from an agreement between Pakistan and Korea.
The illegitimate MoU reportedly contained critical errors, such as referencing Pakistan for compensation procedures and repatriation in case of a worker’s death. Minister Herath alleged that Nanayakkara had signed the MoU without proper review, further compromising its validity.
Minister Herath assured Parliament that Sri Lankan workers will no longer be sent to Korea under the E-08 visa system. The government is working with the Foreign Ministry to establish relief programs for those affected. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of adhering to MoU protocols, ensuring all agreements are vetted and approved by the Cabinet before implementation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Sri Lankan workers abroad through transparent and legal processes, urging individuals to register with SLFEB to secure their rights and safety.
