A total of 2,522 Sri Lankans have left for employment in South Korea during the first eight months of this year, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment announced.
The most recent batch of 660 youths, including seven young women, departed today (August 19) on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 470 to take up jobs in the manufacturing sector. This marks the 923rd group of Sri Lankan workers recruited under the employment program with South Korea.
The Bureau noted that female participation is gradually increasing, with 85 women securing jobs in South Korea so far this year. Employment opportunities are made available under the E-9 Visa scheme through an agreement between Sri Lanka and the Human Resources Development Service of Korea. Jobs are offered in manufacturing, construction, fisheries, and agriculture.
Recruitment is carried out through a competitive computer-based examination system, which officials stress is transparent and free from outside influence. Successful candidates are permitted to stay in South Korea for four years and 10 months, while those who return to Sri Lanka at the end of their contracts are eligible to reapply for further employment.
In 2024, 7,122 Sri Lankans secured jobs in South Korea, underscoring the country’s continued role as a leading destination for foreign employment.
