OBTAIN A RECRUITMENT AGENCY LICENCE

To obtain a new licence for a foreign employment agency, first you need to appear for an interview at SLBFE

Additionally, you are kindly requested to follow the specified requirements, guidelines given below.

1. Application Process

• Download the application from the SLBFE official website.

• Education Requirements:

• You must passed the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level ).

Alternative Education Option

• Individuals who have failed G.C.E. O/L must complete a certificate course conducted by the National Institute of Labour Studies ( NILS ) under the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment

2. Require Documents:

• National ID
• Passport (current & previous)
• Birth certificate
• G.C.E. O/L certificate
• Other educational certificates
• Proof documents for foreign contacts
• Formal request letter to obtain New Licence (Addressed to the Chairman)

Ensure the submission of both original and certified copies of the above documents along with the application to the Licensing Division.

Interview Process:

• Attend the interview on scheduled date. Where you will be assessed based on your qualifications and suitability for obtaining the licence.

Post-Interview:

• Successful candidates will be given a formal file required to proceed with the licence application.
• Make sure to pay new licence application fee – Rs. 7262.00

New Licence Issuance:

1. Basic Requirements

• Financial Guarantee:

Obtain a bank guarantee of 5 million.

• Personal Bond:

Provide a personal bond of 2 million, with signatures from two income taxpaying individuals.

2. Office Requirements:

• Locate your office in an easily accessible place with public transport available.
• Ensure a floor area of at least 1000 square feet with a reception counter, Manager room, office area, interview area and wash room.
• Equip the office with telephones, computers, databases, photocopies, printers, etc.

3. Require Documents:

• Provide a business registration certificate or certified copy of Form 01 and articles and memorandums (if registered under the Company Act).
• Present a layout plan of the office, certified by a Civil Engineer/Draftsman/Technical Officer, with agency name and address.
• Submit the registered lease agreement or deed of the premises.
• Furnish affidavits regarding citizenship of the partners of the business/company.
• Include two recent testimonials supporting the character and reputability of the person in charge, one from the local Grama Sevaka Niladhari.
• Obtain two personal guarantees for the value of Rs. 2,000,000 from income tax-paying guarantors.
• Provide a Bank Guarantee of Rs. 5,000,000 from any registered bank, valid for 36 months from the date of issuance.
• Pay the new licence fee of Rs. 200,000 (excluding NBT+VAT).

4. Personal Documents:

• Submit birth certificates, personal bio-data, and photocopies of National Identity Cards, passports for yourself and other partners or directors if any.
• Obtain police clearance reports from the nearest police station for all parties.

5. Inspection:

• After submission of all required documents, a team from SLBFE will visit and inspect the premises.
• They will verify the authenticity of the documents provided.

6. Licence Validity:

• The obtained licence will be valid for one year ( 12 months) from the date of issue.

Make sure to carefully follow each requirement and provide accurate and complete documentation.

(Kindly note that these procedures may be subject to change, you are hereby advised to check with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) for the most up-to-date information.)

Updated on 29.01.2024