-Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment-
According to a new policy decision taken by the Government of Israel, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel has informed the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) that, effective January 1, 2027, the recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for employment in Israel will be conducted exclusively under a Government-to-Government (G-to-G) agreement.
“Israel employment exclusively through the Government starting January 1-2027”
Accordingly, the current recruitment program for Israeli employment operating through licensed foreign employment agencies will conclude on December 31, 2026. The SLBFE notes that official information regarding the new recruitment methodology, recruitment quotas, and selection procedures to be implemented for the year 2027 has not yet been published.
Previously, the recruitment of workers for sectors such as Construction, Industrial, and Commerce & Services in Israel was permitted through the private sector (licensed foreign employment agencies). Furthermore, the Bureau advises job seekers to remain vigilant regarding private sector promises offering new employment in Israel within the aforementioned sectors or any other fields.
Accordingly, the Bureau states that Israel job seekers should adhere to the following instructions:
Refrain from making any payments to any individual or licensed foreign employment agency claiming to provide employment in Israel.
Refrain from participating in skill tests, interviews, or other selection processes for Israeli jobs conducted by the private sector until officially notified by the Bureau.
Pay attention solely to official announcements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Individuals who have already legally made payments for Israeli employment need not harbour unnecessary fear regarding this matter; instructions on future steps will be officially announced by the Bureau in due course. Based on this, the Bureau has requested information regarding individuals who have made such legal payments from licensed foreign employment agencies, and further actions will be taken based on that information. Accordingly, it is not necessary to submit individual representations separately regarding this matter at present. However, individuals who wish to lodge complaints regarding fraud or any other specific issues may do so through the standard complaint procedure.
To safeguard the welfare and well-being of Sri Lankan job seekers in Israel, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment is taking necessary steps in coordination with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel and the relevant Israeli authorities.
