Archives

The Moving Finger by Lionel Wijesiri

They have collectively emerged as "the goose that lays the golden egg", bringing into the country vast amount of foreign exchange per year. They have bailed their families and the country out of economic difficulties and greatly boosted our gross national product. No less than the Prime Minister has paid tribute to them. At the same time, he has promised to look after their welfare.

An estimated 900,000 Sri Lankans are working in the Gulf region. In the year 2000, an estimated Rs 55,250 million was received as private remittances from Middle East, which as a foreign exchange earner was second only to Garment export earnings.

SLBFE

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 licences, renewals and cancels licences for irregularities.

The Bureau has introduced several protective and welfare measures aimed at reducing the many irregularities and exploitation faced by migrant workers.

It could extend greater assistance, benefits and protection to these workers - in many ways. In this aspect we could pick up a lesson from our neighbour - India.

Two years ago, Indian Government appointed a high level Committee to undertake a survey on Indian migrant workers and identify their demands and expectations from India. In the section under "Gulf Region" in their report the Committee mentions:

" The Indian population in the Gulf is an important contributor to India's economy. Their welfare should be a priority for us. During the Committee's visit to Gulf countries, representatives of the overseas Indian workers had brought to its attention the following expectations from Government of India to safeguard their interests:

(1) Institution of effective measures by the Ministry of Labour to prevent malpractices by recruiting agents in India

(2) Negotiation of a "Standard Labour Export Agreement" with all the Gulf countries prescribing such matters as the minimum wage, free housing, medical care, laws on daily working hours, overtime allowance rates, return air tickets and compensation for on-the-job death or injuries

(3) Setting up of agencies by the Provincial Governments to advise prospective workers about their rights and obligations

(4) Missions in the Gulf countries should verify the genuineness of job offers and reliability of the parties offering them

(5) Support in eliminating the practice of employers taking in their charge the passports of the employee's immediately on their arrival

(6) Frequent visits by the consular officers to the respective missions in the Gulf countries and the camps

(7) Holding of regular consultations by the Welfare officers dealing with the community in the missions with their counterparts in the respective labour ministry of the host country

(8) Assistance for resettlement through training and alternative employment."

Manpower Council

The Report was released in December 2001. In August this year, the Indian Government decided to enact the Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2002 to set up the Central Manpower Export Promotion Council and constitute Indian Overseas Workers' Welfare Fund. The functions of the Council will be the promotion of employment opportunities for emigrants; projection of manpower services; collection of statistics and information relating to employment opportunities and matters connected therewith.

The Council will also collect and maintain information in respect of persons seeking employment; liaison with other export promotion agencies; recommending to the Central Government about the standards and guidelines for overseas employment; and administration of the Indian Overseas Workers' Welfare Fund.

The creation of a 'Manpower Export Promotion Council' in Sri Lanka in the lines of the Indian thinking would be a good idea. We must not evaluate our Gulf workers' contribution only in terms of the incomes remitted from abroad. Rather, we should consider the vast potential of this migrant sector in national development. In response to the realities of our migrants' experience and in recognition of their potentials and capacities, a Manpower Export Promotion Council would provide them the proper channel to participate in our development programme. We must never look at the problems and needs of our migrant workers as added burdens to the country.

The present Government can do a lot to improve the situation of Gulf workers and harness their vast potentials. Let us not just "recognize" our Gulf workers. Let us take care of them - better.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager