Migration Scams Rampant in Sri Lanka-by Niruni de Mel
Source:Thuppahis
in The Island, 16 February 2024 … where the title runs thus: “Scammed and Stranded: The Dark Side of Sri Lanka’s Migration Industry”
A fisherman from the quiet town of Mannar sold his mother’s, sisters’, and sister-in-law’s jewelry and, with a loan from his brother, paid a migration agent Rs. 12.8 million for a Canadian visa. Months later, he discovered the agent had vanished, leaving his family in crippling debt and his dreams in ruins. His story is not unique. Across Sri Lanka, countless desperate individuals fall prey to fraudulent migration schemes, losing their life savings in the process.
The Rise of Migration Fraud
Within the districts of Mannar, Mulativu, and Batticaloa, over 320 million rupees have been stolen under the guise of issuing visas, highlighting the alarming scale of migration fraud in Sri Lanka. As of October 2024, as many as 95 cases have been lodged with the Special Crimes Investigation Bureau (SCIB), exposing the systemic vulnerabilities that allow fraudulent agents to operate unchecked.
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) reports that over 300,000 Sri Lankans migrated for foreign employment in 2024, with many working as construction laborers and domestic workers. As the demand for work and student visas has surged, so too have the tactics of fraudsters exploiting desperate individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
A recent survey conducted among individuals planning to migrate for studies found that 100% of respondents were aware of fraudulent migration agencies, primarily through news articles. Despite this awareness, 75% had not verified their chosen agency’s credibility, highlighting a gap between knowledge and action. The most common fraud concerns included fake visas, hidden fees, and disappearing agents.
How Scammers Operate
Fraudulent migration agents use several deceptive tactics to manipulate their victims:
- False Promises: Guaranteed admissions and high-paying jobs abroad.
- Fake Documents: Counterfeit visas, certificates, and contracts.
- Lack of Transparency: Hidden fees, vague agreements, and disappearing agents.
As one victim stated in an interview with a leading newspaper , “We are already very poor and struggling, and now these people are scamming us… We don’t have the energy to file complaints and waste any more time. We just hope that God will help us”.
During the 2022 economic crisis, numerous Sri Lankans in the IT sector were lured by high-paying job offers from startup companies, only to be trafficked into organized crime syndicates. Victims were coerced into committing cybercrimes under threats of violence. In another instance, 148 passports were abandoned at the Mattegoda police station, left behind by an agent who vanished after scamming clients of Rs. 260 million.
A major challenge for students migrating abroad is the lack of transparency from agencies, as revealed by a survey conducted among individuals planning to pursue higher studies overseas. Most (67%) were still in the process of researching or applying to universities, indicating the vulnerability of prospective students to misleading claims about guaranteed admissions. The survey also found that while 33% learnt of fraudulent migration agencies or scams related to student migration through friends or family who were victims, 66% learnt of them through news articles.
Trust and Doubt: The Role of Visa Agents in Study Migration
Interviews with a few individuals migrating for higher tertiary studies, including Master’s and PhD programs, reveal a strong reliance on personal networks when selecting visa agents. All of them found their agents through family or friends who had previously migrated and, despite not verifying their authenticity, placed confidence in their services based on these referrals.
One factor that reinforced their trust was the agents’ adherence to legal procedures. For instance, during financial assessments required for visa applications, the agents recommended legitimate methods rather than fraudulent practices such as presenting third-party funds. This transparency reassured the interviewees about the credibility of their agents.
However, concerns over high service charges emerged. One interviewee noted that the visa application process was extensive, and the agent’s fees were unreasonably high. As a result, they ultimately decided to drop the agent and stated they would not seek their services again in the future. This highlights a recurring issue where trust in visa agents is often built on personal recommendations rather than formal verification, sometimes leading to financial strain or dissatisfaction with the service.
The Human Cost
The consequences for victims extend beyond financial loss. Many suffer severe emotional distress, legal troubles, and even human trafficking. A Sri Lankan housemaid recruited to Oman in 2020 was promised a job for a family of four but was instead forced to work for a family of seven under extreme conditions. When her husband complained, she was detained by the agency, unable to communicate with her family due to travel restrictions.
Sri Lankan migrants rescued from cyber scam operations in Myanmar arrive home with support from the International Organization for Migration and GoSL-
The Sri Lankan embassy in Russia has warned students about fraudulent education and employment agencies promising jobs on student visas—only to traffic them into Ukraine and other European countries. Similarly, in November 2024, four Bangladeshi nationals were caught at Bandaranaike International Airportattempting to leave for India with forged visas provided by a Sri Lankan national.
Regulatory Failures
Authorities often shift blame onto victims rather than addressing systemic failures. Despite SLBFE’s role in regulating migration, inconsistent enforcement and outdated legislation have hindered its effectiveness. A Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) report highlighted administrative inefficiencies, poor appointments, and a weak legal framework within the SLBFE. Furthermore, security vulnerabilities in the SLBFE’s outdated systems raise concerns about its ability to protect data and enforce regulations.
Efforts to educate the public remain insufficient. Remarks such as “not knowing the law is no excuse” illustrate the disconnect between policymakers and the realities faced by those most at risk. Without targeted efforts to inform rural and low-income populations, fraudulent agents will continue to thrive.
Survey respondents unanimously agreed that there isn’t enough public awareness about migration scams in Sri Lanka, and 83% expressed interest in attending awareness sessions. This indicates a demand for proactive educational initiatives to protect potential migrants from fraud.
Calls for Action
To combat migration fraud effectively, urgent reforms are needed:
- Stronger Monitoring and Licensing: Enhance SLBFE’s oversight and enforcement capabilities.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Extend efforts beyond social media to educate rural and low-income populations.
- Stricter Penalties: Enforce harsher legal consequences for fraudulent agents.
- Victim Support Systems: Establish legal aid and financial assistance for victims of migration fraud.
Survey participants recommended increased transparency from migration agencies, awareness campaigns, and more background research by applicants as measures to prevent fraud. These insights emphasize the need for multi-faceted solutions involving both individuals and institutions.
A National Priority
The growing number of migration fraud cases underscores the urgent need for systemic reform and greater vigilance. Tackling this issue requires a collaborative effort—stronger regulations, proactive public awareness initiatives, and better support systems for victims. Without decisive action, vulnerable individuals will continue to be exploited, turning their pursuit of a better future into a costly and devastating mistake. Sri Lanka must act now to protect its citizens from falling into these traps.
….. Niruni de Mel is an intern at the Marga Institute and an undergraduate student at the London School of Economics and Political Science, specializing in International Relations. Her research at the Marga Institute focuses on evaluating a trending social issue, aiming to contribute to informed policymaking and development discourse in Sri Lanka.
