The satyagraha organized by the E-8 Visa Union in front of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment continues for the second consecutive day today, as protesters demand solutions to their inability to travel to South Korea despite holding valid E-8 visas.
Background
The E-8 visa permits short-term employment in South Korea, typically for six months, with the possibility of working in the agriculture and fisheries sectors for up to eight months.
Currently, 107 Sri Lankans, who have secured employment contracts in Wando, South Korea, remain stranded due to unresolved registration issues at the Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Cause of the Impasse
The Bureau of Foreign Employment attributed the delay to a technical error during the visa approval process, which has hindered the issuance of necessary clearances.
Bureau’s Response
Gamini Senarath Yapa, Additional General Manager of the Bureau of Foreign Employment, stated that the matter has been reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for investigation. He added that relevant facts will be submitted to the Attorney General’s Department tomorrow for further action.
The protesters continue their call for immediate intervention to resolve the issue and enable their long-awaited journey to South Korea.
