The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka has warned job seekers about fraudulent schemes offering work in the Netherlands, saying several people have already fallen victim.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the embassy said certain parties were misleading job seekers with false employment promises and circulating forged letters purportedly issued by Dutch immigration authorities.
The embassy said the Netherlands does not generally issue work visas for most types of employment. It said genuine opportunities may exist in exceptional cases, including highly skilled and high-tech positions.
The embassy also said it does not facilitate recruitment for employment in the Netherlands. Any offer that claims the embassy will arrange a job, or that asks for payment to secure a Dutch work visa through it, does not come from the embassy.
It urged Sri Lankans to verify employment offers directly with the prospective employer before making any financial commitment. People who have been defrauded were advised to seek legal assistance immediately from Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities.
Background
Foreign employment is a major source of income for many Sri Lankan families, and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is the state body that regulates recruitment agencies and registers migrant workers. Job seekers are generally advised to check that an agency holds a valid SLBFE licence before paying any fee.
Fake job offers for European countries, supported by forged letters or documents, have been reported in Sri Lanka in the past. Such schemes typically ask applicants to pay money in advance for visas, travel or placement. The embassy’s statement said forged letters were being circulated in the name of Dutch immigration authorities.
Dutch immigration decisions are made by the Netherlands’ own authorities. The embassy statement said it is not involved in recruitment, so any job offer that is routed through it should be treated with caution.
What it means
For anyone approached with an offer of work in the Netherlands, the embassy’s advice is to contact the prospective employer directly and confirm that the job exists before paying anything. A letter that looks official is not proof of an offer, since forged letters are in circulation.
People who have already paid money to an agent or an individual for a Dutch job have been advised to seek legal help immediately from Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities. Those weighing offers for other countries can also check with the SLBFE whether an agency is licensed.
