Migrant Workers-Government Policy

Government Policy and Support Mechanisms

Sri Lanka has had a policy of encouraging migration. The lead agency charged with matters connected with overseas employment is the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), a semi-government body set up by an Act of Parliament in 1986.

The Bureau sets standards for, and negotiates contracts of employment, enters into agreements with foreign authorities, employers and employment agencies, undertakes the welfare and protection of Sri Lankans employed overseas and provides assistance to those migrating for employment. It issues licenses for recruitment agencies, renewals their licenses and also cancels licenses for irregularities.

A major constraint to the implementation of policies and programmes to support women migrant domestic workers is the absence of safeguards imposed by labour receiving countries. Labour attaches and welfare officials who are attached to the Sri Lankan missions in labour imorting countries have to face barriers in safeguarding the workers.

The Bureau has introduced several protective and welfare measures aimed at reducing the many irregularities and exploitation faced by migrant women workers. Some of these are as follows:

Compulsory registration with the Bureau for all persons proceeding for foreign employment and strict monitoring at the Airport by SLBFE officials
An insurance scheme for migrant workers

A period of compulsory training prior to departure
Stipulation of minimum wages by the SLBFE
Introduction of a contract registration scheme, which requires the verification of the credibility of prospective employers by Sri Lankan overseas missions prior to registration
Authentication of the agreement by the foreign sponsor/agent at the mission

Welfare Schemes:

Scholarships to children of migrant workers

Material assistance to children of migrant workers

Low interest loans

Appointment of Welfare Officers to the Sri Lankan missions in Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Singapore and Jordan

Establishment of an Overseas Workers' Welfare Fund to provide 'safe' houses, legal assistance, repatriation of stranded workers

Establishment of transit homes in Kuwait, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia

Provision of hostel facilities in Sri Lanka for children of migrant workers

The establishment of a welfare centre with medical facilities near the airport in Katunayake to attend to the needs of migrant returnees