SLBFE Information
Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment — services, welfare fund, and support
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is the primary government body responsible for the regulation, promotion, and welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers. The Embassy works closely with the SLBFE to protect Sri Lankan workers in Kuwait and coordinate welfare services.
About the SLBFE
Established under the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act No. 21 of 1985, the SLBFE operates under the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment in Sri Lanka. Its mandate includes:
- Registering and licensing foreign employment agencies
- Regulating the overseas employment industry
- Providing pre-departure training and orientation
- Operating the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund
- Resolving disputes between workers and recruitment agencies
- Promoting employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers abroad
- Collecting and analysing data on Sri Lankan migrant workers
SLBFE Contact (Sri Lanka)
Head Office
234, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha
Koswatta, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Hotline (Sri Lanka)
+94 11 288 0500
Website
www.slbfe.lkForeign Employment Welfare Fund
All Sri Lankan workers who register with the SLBFE before departing for overseas employment are covered by the Foreign Employment Welfare Fund. This fund provides critical financial protection against unexpected events while abroad.
Benefits Covered by the Fund
Death Benefit
Compensation paid to the next of kin in the event of the worker's death abroad.
Disability Benefit
Financial compensation for permanent disability caused by a work-related accident.
Hospitalization Allowance
Daily allowance for hospitalization abroad due to illness or injury.
Repatriation Assistance
Funding for return air tickets when workers cannot afford repatriation.
Legal Aid
Financial support for legal representation in labour or criminal cases abroad.
Skills Development
Subsidized training and skills upgrade programs for registered members.
To be eligible for welfare fund benefits, you must have registered with the SLBFE before departing Sri Lanka. If you are currently in Kuwait and did not register, the Embassy can advise you on late registration options.
SLBFE Registration
Every Sri Lankan going abroad for employment must register with the SLBFE before departure. This registration is mandatory under the SLBFE Act and is essential for accessing welfare benefits and legal protection.
How to Register
Visit the nearest SLBFE district office or register online at www.slbfe.lk
Submit your employment contract, passport copy, and visa details
Complete the mandatory pre-departure orientation program
Pay the registration fee and receive your SLBFE membership card
Keep your SLBFE card safe — you will need it to claim any benefits
SLBFE Labour Attache in Kuwait
The SLBFE posts a Labour Attache at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait to assist workers with SLBFE-related matters directly in Kuwait, without needing to contact Sri Lanka.
Services Provided in Kuwait
- SLBFE complaint registration
- Welfare fund claim assistance
- Pre-departure documentation verification
- Mediation between workers and agencies
- Coordination with Kuwaiti labour authorities
Contact
Sri Lankan Embassy, Kuwait
Tel: +965 2251 2531
Email: slbfe@slembassykuwait.com
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Reach Out to SLBFE Services
Whether you need to file a claim, register a complaint, or seek guidance on SLBFE membership, our labour welfare team is here to assist you.
Embassy Labour Section
Tel: +965 2251 2531
Email: slbfe@slembassykuwait.com
SLBFE Headquarters (Sri Lanka)
Hotline: +94 11 288 0500
Website: www.slbfe.lk