ADVISORY

The Embassy of Sri Lanka and the Permanent Mission to UNESCAP in Thailand continuously receives reports of Sri Lankan nationals being trafficked to scam-centers located in boarders of Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR. These scam centers are engaged in cybercrimes as well as other fraudulent and criminal activities. From Thailand, victims are illegally taken across the land boarder to these scam-centers located outside of Thailand, where they are forced to work under inhuman conditions and are often subjected to harsh treatment.

The victims from Sri Lanka are being lured with false job offers, promising well-paying employment in areas such as hospitality or technology. Victims are forced to engage in various scams, such as online fraud, phone scams, or cryptocurrency schemes. Instances of online and offline recruitment of Sri Lankan nationals from various areas in Sri Lanka and also from overseas locations, through social media platforms and agents, have been reported.

Entering Thailand under the current visa free regime for the Sri Lankan national is meant for tourist purpose only, and it does not permit any type of employment in Thailand. Sri Lankan nationals are advised to exercise maximum caution while considering job offers in Thailand, thoroughly verify the recruiting agents and companies prior taking up any job in Thailand and strictly adhere to the Government rules and regulations including seeking appropriate visa for the purpose. The Embassy will continue to extend all necessary support in case a victim, once rescued, has to be repatriated through Thailand. There is a laid down process need to be followed for the repatriation. All victims and families are requested not to entertain agents or make any payment to an unauthorized person, if appropriate at any stage of the repatriation process.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka Bangkok