Memorandum of Cooperation on the Employment for Skill Development Program between Japan and Sri Lanka
2026/7/30
The Government of Japan (the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the National Police Agency, hereinafter referred to as “the Ministries and Agencies”) and the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on the Employment for Skill Development Program on 23rd July 2026.
Although the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Technical Intern Training Program has been already in place with Sri Lanka, the MOC between the two countries was signed in conjunction with the commencement of the Employment for Skill Development Program, from April 2027, which replaces the Technical Intern Training Program.
The purpose of this MOC is to protect Skill Development Employees and to promote the Employment for Skill Development Program adequately under bilateral cooperation by setting out the responsibilities for sending and accepting Skill Development Employees between both sides.
The key points of the MOC are as follows:
1. Commitments by the Ministries and Agencies of Japan
Although the Memorandum of Cooperation on the Technical Intern Training Program has been already in place with Sri Lanka, the MOC between the two countries was signed in conjunction with the commencement of the Employment for Skill Development Program, from April 2027, which replaces the Technical Intern Training Program.
The purpose of this MOC is to protect Skill Development Employees and to promote the Employment for Skill Development Program adequately under bilateral cooperation by setting out the responsibilities for sending and accepting Skill Development Employees between both sides.
The key points of the MOC are as follows:
1. Commitments by the Ministries and Agencies of Japan
- To conduct administrative work relating to the license of Supervising and Support Organizations and the accreditation of the Employment for Skill Development Plan in an appropriate manner, in line with the criteria set out in the Employment for Skill Development Act of Japan (*).
- To notify the Sri Lankan side if the Ministries and Agencies revoke the license of a Supervising and Support Organization or revoke the accreditation of an Employment for Skill Development Plan.
- To investigate, instruct, and supervise the relevant Implementing Organization for Employment for Skill Development and to take appropriate action and communicate the results to the Sri Lankan side if informed by the Sri Lankan side of an inappropriate Implementing Organization for Employment for Skill Development.
(*) Act on Proper Implementation of Employment for Skill Development and Protection of Skill Development Employees (Act No. 89 of 2016)
2. Commitments by the Ministry of Sri Lanka
2. Commitments by the Ministry of Sri Lanka
- To conduct administrative work relating to the approval of sending organizations in an appropriate manner, in line with the criteria set out in the MOC.
- To notify the Japanese side if the Sri Lankan side revokes an approval of an Approved Sending Organization.
- To conduct investigations over an Approved Sending Organization in question, to provide necessary guidance and supervision, and to report the results to the Japanese side if informed by the Japanese side of an inappropriate sending organization.
3. Common Provisions
Representatives of both sides will consult from time to time, as necessary, regarding the implementation of the Employment for Skill Development Program.
The cooperation under this MOC will commence on the date of the signature.
(Attachments)
Memorandum of Cooperation on the Employment for Skill Development Program between the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the National Police Agency of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism in Sri Lanka (English)