The Government has decided to formulate an Inbound Labour Migration Policy aimed at regulating foreign workers entering Sri Lanka for employment purposes, according to Cabinet decisions.
Cabinet noted that while Sri Lanka has traditionally focused on facilitating overseas employment opportunities for Sri Lankans, there is now increasing demand across several sectors to recruit foreign workers with skilled, semi-skilled, and specialist expertise.
At present, the regulation of foreign workers entering the country is managed through multiple administrative procedures handled by different institutions. Authorities stated that a more systematic and centralized approach is needed to effectively manage inbound labour migration.
The proposed policy is expected to establish a coordinated and transparent national framework governing the admission, employment, supervision, protection, and regulation of foreign workers entering Sri Lanka.
The framework is also expected to safeguard employment opportunities available to Sri Lankan workers.
Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to formulate the policy and appoint a Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Labour to prepare the draft framework.