Sri Lanka is set to sign two agreements with Thailand covering a new visa arrangement and employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers during Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath visit to Thailand.
Minister Herath is scheduled to leave for Bangkok today on a two-day official visit, during which the two agreements are expected to be signed.
The proposed visa agreement is aimed at facilitating easier travel between Sri Lanka and Thailand. The move comes after Thailand announced changes to its visa-free entry arrangements, with Sri Lanka among the countries affected by the new policy taking effect from September 15, 2026.
Minister Herath said the proposed visa agreement has received clearance from the Attorney General’s Department and is due to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
The second agreement will focus on employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in Thailand. According to the Minister, Thailand is expected to provide around 10,000 job opportunities for Sri Lankans, particularly in the hospitality and agriculture sectors.
The demand for foreign workers has increased following the departure of a large number of Cambodian workers employed in Thailand amid the recent border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
The Minister said the agreements would provide tangible benefits to Sri Lanka while strengthening cooperation between the two countries in tourism, employment and people-to-people relations.
The agreements are also expected to create new opportunities for Sri Lankan workers seeking employment overseas, while establishing a more structured framework for labour migration between the two countries.
