An investigation conducted by the National Audit Office has revealed significant irregularities in the program designed to provide electronic vehicle licenses to overseas workers. According to the report, over US$55.6 million (approximately Rs. 1668 million) was credited to the accounts of 419 individuals who traveled abroad under this initiative during the specified period.
The audit findings disclosed that 108 individuals had traveled abroad between 10 and 39 times, while five individuals were abroad for durations ranging from three to ten days, and ten others for periods between 19 days and three months.
Further scrutiny revealed that licenses were issued to four individuals who had not emigrated during the relevant timeframe. Despite this, foreign remittances totaling US$445,942 (approximately Rs. 142 million) were credited to their accounts. Three of these individuals withdrew the entire amount, while one withdrew 73 percent. The report also noted the absence of verification to ensure these funds were not linked to money laundering or other illegal activities.
In total, 1,077 licenses were issued under this program. The audit highlighted that the Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment Welfare failed to specify a minimum period of overseas stay required to qualify for the licenses.
Additionally, the investigation found that the government’s tax revenue suffered losses amounting to Rs. 138 million due to an increase in the luxury tax exemption limit for imported vehicles. The limit was raised from Rs. 6 million to Rs. 120 million, benefiting 510 vehicles imported as of June 2023.
The report also criticized the program’s lack of transparency. Sixty-four license files were reportedly not submitted for audit, further raising concerns about irregularities.
The Auditor General has recommended that legal action be taken against those responsible for any misconduct and that measures be implemented to recover the losses incurred by the government.
This program, which was active between May 1, 2022, and September 15, 2023, underscores the need for stringent oversight in implementing similar initiatives in the future.
