Starting a foreign employment agency in Sri Lanka is a great business opportunity — especially for those looking to send Sri Lankan workers to countries like Dubai, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia.
However, before you can apply for a licence, the first and most important step is to attend an interview at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what this interview is, why it matters, and how you can prepare for it.
🇱🇰 What Is the SLBFE Interview?
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is the government authority that regulates all recruitment and overseas employment agencies in the country.
Before issuing a Foreign Employment Agency Licence, the SLBFE conducts an interview to evaluate the eligibility and suitability of the applicant.
This interview is mandatory — you cannot submit your licence application without successfully completing it.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The main goal of the SLBFE interview is to ensure that only qualified, trustworthy, and responsible individuals are granted the authority to recruit Sri Lankans for foreign employment.
During the interview, officials will assess:
- Your knowledge of the recruitment process and foreign employment regulations.
- Your understanding of SLBFE procedures.
- Your personal and business background.
- Your financial and ethical readiness to run a recruitment agency.
This step helps the SLBFE maintain high standards and protect Sri Lankan workers from unethical recruitment practices.
🧑💼 Who Needs to Attend?
The person applying for the licence (often called the licensee or managing partner) must appear for the interview in person.
If you’re registering a company:
- The main director or owner listed in the business registration must attend.
- Other directors or partners are not usually required, but may accompany you if needed.
📅 How to Book Your Interview
You can book your interview appointment directly with the SLBFE Licensing Division.
Steps:
- Contact the SLBFE head office (Battaramulla) or the nearest regional office.
- Request an appointment for a “Foreign Employment Agency Licence Interview.”
- You will be given a date and time for the session.
- On the interview day, you must appear in person with your documents.
📄 Documents to Bring for the Interview
Make sure to carry the following original documents and photocopies:
- National Identity Card (NIC)
- Passport (current and previous)
- Birth Certificate
- Police Clearance Certificate (less than 6 months old)
- Educational certificates (G.C.E. O/L results or NILS course completion certificate)
- Character certificates/testimonials
- Business registration certificate or company registration documents (if already registered)
Having organized, complete documentation shows professionalism and makes the process smoother.
💬 What Happens During the Interview?
The interview is typically conducted by a panel of SLBFE officers.
It usually lasts 15–30 minutes and covers:
- Your background and experience — why you want to start an agency, your qualifications, and any past business involvement.
- Knowledge check — basic understanding of the recruitment process, worker protection laws, and SLBFE regulations.
- Financial capability — how you plan to meet the Rs. 5 million bank guarantee and other requirements.
- Office readiness — whether you have a suitable office space for your agency.
- Ethical commitment — your willingness to follow legal and transparent recruitment practices.
If the interview panel is satisfied, you will receive approval to move forward with your licence application.
🏁 After the Interview
Once you pass the interview, you will be informed by SLBFE to:
- Submit your full licence application with supporting documents.
- Provide the bank guarantee and personal guarantors.
- Schedule an inspection of your office premises.
After successful inspection and review, the SLBFE will issue your Foreign Employment Agency Licence, valid for one year.
✅ Tips for Success
- Dress professionally and arrive early.
- Bring all original documents neatly organized in a file.
- Be confident, honest, and polite during the interview.
- Learn the SLBFE rules and procedures beforehand.
- Demonstrate that you’re motivated to operate ethically and help Sri Lankan workers find safe employment abroad.
📍 Where to Attend the Interview
Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)
📍 No. 234, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha,
Koswatta, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
🌐 www.slbfe.lk
📞 +94 11 2880500
✍️ Final Thoughts
The SLBFE interview is the first and most important step in obtaining a Foreign Employment Agency Licence in Sri Lanka.
By preparing well, understanding the process, and showing your commitment to ethical recruitment, you can pass the interview easily and move forward toward establishing your licensed agency to send Sri Lankans to Dubai and beyond.
