Recently, the Sri Lankan government has launched a comprehensive crackdown on illegal workers within the country, with hundreds of foreigners detained and deported, many of whom are Chinese citizens, attracting widespread attention. This crackdown mainly targets illegal employment caused by abuse of visa-free policies and visa violations.
The police pointed out that many foreign nationals are suspected of engaging in telecommunications fraud, overstaying their visas, or working illegally, mainly in industries such as catering, massage, e-commerce, and gambling. A large number of Chinese people enter the country on tourist visas and then engage in work, being identified as "illegal laborers" and facing severe penalties such as detention, deportation, and entry bans.
The so-called "black labor" refers to individuals who work locally without a legal work visa. They often enter the country on tourist visas or work covertly through "shell companies" or "agency arrangements," unprotected by law and easily targeted by law enforcement. Once reported or caught, they are quickly detained and deported back to their home countries, and may even be blacklisted, preventing future entry.
In contrast, "white labor" involves applying for employment permits and work visas through official procedures, enjoying legal residency and labor rights protection. To legally work in Sri Lanka, one must follow these steps:
Sign a genuine employment contract with a legitimate employer;
The employer applies for a foreign employment permit from the Ministry of Interior;
Apply for a visa at the Sri Lankan embassy in China;
After entering the country, obtain a work visa valid for one year, which can be renewed.
The general processing period is 3–5 weeks, and required documents include a passport copy, company credentials, contract, etc.
Experts warn not to trust promises by agents such as "tourist visas can be converted to work visas" or "work under a shell company." The risks are extremely high, and the consequences can be severe. The Sri Lankan Immigration Bureau has announced that it will continue to strictly inspect and legally process illegal laborers, regardless of nationality or industry.
If you have friends or relatives planning to work in Sri Lanka, please remind them: following the official process is the only security guarantee, do not risk your life!
