January 16, Colombo (LNW): Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara revealed that only 1.2 million out of the three million Sri Lankan expatriate workforce have formally registered with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) before heading abroad for employment opportunities.
Minister Nanayakkara highlighted the prevalence of illegal migration, with a significant majority of individuals facing various oppressive incidents in foreign countries choosing to travel without proper registration.
During a media briefing on the 14th, the Minister, who had visited and received the blessings of Mahanayaka Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters in Kandy, emphasized the benefits available to those who legally register with the SLBFE before embarking on overseas employment. He mentioned that such individuals are entitled to insurance coverage and various other benefits.
Minister Nanayakkara expressed concern over individuals who opt for unauthorized means to work abroad, bypassing existing laws and regulations. He pointed out that the Ministry encounters difficulties in providing protection to those who find themselves in trouble due to not adhering to proper registration procedures.
The Minister’s statements shed light on the challenges faced by the government in ensuring the welfare and protection of Sri Lankan workers abroad, urging for increased awareness and adherence to legal processes for those seeking employment opportunities overseas.
