How to Start a Foreign Employment Agency in Sri Lanka to Send Workers to Dubai

Are you planning to start an employment agency in Sri Lanka to send workers to Dubai (UAE) for job opportunities?
That’s a great business idea — but it’s also one that requires proper licensing and compliance with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) regulations.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from licenses to office setup and financial guarantees.

🇱🇰 Step 1: Get the SLBFE Foreign Employment Agency Licence

If you want to recruit Sri Lankans for foreign employment, you must obtain a Foreign Employment Agency Licence issued by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
This licence is legally required under the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act No. 21 of 1985 (as amended).

Without it, no individual or company can legally send workers abroad.

✅ Basic Eligibility

• Must be a Sri Lankan citizen over 25 years old.
• Should have passed G.C.E. O/L or completed a National Institute of Labour Studies (NILS) course.
• Must have a clean police record and provide a clearance certificate.
• Must be financially capable of providing the required guarantees.

📄 Step 2: Register Your Business or Company

Before applying for the SLBFE licence, your business must be legally registered in Sri Lanka.

Business Registration Process

• Register your company under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007.
• Submit:
  • Form 1, Form 18, and Form 19
  • Articles of Association
• Obtain your Business Registration Certificate from the Department of Registrar of Companies (DRC).
• The company name should clearly reflect recruitment or employment activity.

🏢 Step 3: Prepare Your Office

Your recruitment agency must have a dedicated commercial office.
This office will later be inspected by SLBFE officials before you receive your licence.

You’ll need:

• A layout plan of the office (approved by a civil engineer or technical officer).
• A registered lease agreement or ownership deed for the property.
• Clear photos of the office interior and exterior.
• A visible name board with your company name.

The office must have the necessary facilities — such as desks, computers, telephones, and internet access.

👤 Step 4: Submit Personal and Legal Documents

You’ll need to provide the following documents for all partners and directors of the company:

• National ID card and passport (current and previous).
• Birth certificate.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Two character certificates — one from your Grama Niladhari and another from a Justice of the Peace (JP) or well-known person.

💰 Step 5: Meet the Financial and Guarantee Requirements

To ensure credibility and accountability, the SLBFE requires all licensed agencies to provide both bank and personal guarantees.

🧑‍💼 Step 6: Hire Qualified Staff

You’ll need a small team to manage day-to-day operations.
This usually includes:

• A manager or administrator.
• Clerical and support staff.
• A receptionist or front-office representative.

Having experienced staff in recruitment, HR, or travel coordination will help maintain compliance and smooth operations.

🌍 Step 7: Register with the SLBFE for Overseas Job Orders

Once your licence is approved, you can officially recruit Sri Lankans for overseas jobs — including Dubai (UAE).
To do this, you must:

• Register your foreign partner or employer in Dubai with the SLBFE.
• Obtain Foreign Job Order (FJO) approval for each group of workers.
• Ensure all employment contracts are verified by the SLBFE.
• Submit valid UAE work visas and job offer letters.
• Complete medical screening for all candidates.
• Conduct pre-departure orientation for workers (through SLBFE-approved programs).

⚠️ Step 8: Stay Legal and Ethical

It’s important to note that operating an overseas recruitment agency without an SLBFE licence is a criminal offence.
Penalties can include:

• Heavy fines
• Imprisonment
• Permanent blacklisting from recruitment activities

Always maintain transparency, honesty, and full compliance to protect both your reputation and the workers you send abroad.

📍 Where to Apply

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)
📍 No. 234, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha,
Koswatta, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
🌐 www.slbfe.lk
📞 +94 11 2880500

🧾 Final Thoughts

Starting a foreign employment agency in Sri Lanka can be a profitable and meaningful business — helping Sri Lankans find better job opportunities overseas while contributing to the economy.

However, success depends on doing it the right way: with full legal compliance, ethical practices, and genuine concern for worker welfare.

If you follow these steps carefully, your agency can become a trusted link between Sri Lanka and Dubai’s growing job market.