Bonanza for migrant apparel workers

Rasika Somarathna

Sri Lankan migrant workers employed in the apparel sector, believed to be over 10,000, are set to receive a series of benefits including a wage increase after an eight year lapse, due to the intervention of the Sri Lanka Bureau for Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

SLBFE Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka said all present and prospective workers would now receive a minimum wage of US $ 200 per month (Rs.22,000) in addition to better protocol on migrant worker rights and welfare.

Authorities had agreed to conditions presented by the Bureau including a minimum salary increase of US $25 (Rs.2,800) in addition to better welfare, insurance, health, transport, accommodation, facilities, the Bureau chief said.

In all future employee contracts the minimum wage and other facilities would be clearly mentioned and would be presented to both the employer and employee before finalising the agreement, he added.

According to sources, Sri Lankan skills in the apparel sector has been highly acclaimed in the overseas job markets in comparison to other countries and as a result has a high demand.

So far the sector has received little or no recognition in comparison to their talents due to the non-intervention of authorities and as a result it has taken eight years for officials to come up with a wage increase, the sources said.

According to Ranawaka, the latest effort could act as a catalyst to Bureau initiatives of trying to discourage the common practice of sending unskilled female domestic workers with low wages into sending more skilled female workers with better perks.

Sri Lanka’s migrant worker fraternity which contributes 35 per cent of total export earnings as per last year’s figures constitutes of 80 per cent female unskilled domestic workers.

According to Ranawaka, the Bureau has initiated a series of measures to reverse the trend and send more skilled manpower for better perks which would not only bring more revenue but also enhance the country’s image.

The latest bid, according to Ranawaka should encourage specially females to seek better employment opportunities abroad without resorting to the easy access of being housemaids with relatively low salaries.

Ranawaka said the Bureau is in the process of garnering support from international recruiters for more lucrative opportunities and is set to initiate training programmes to cater to the demand.

The SLBFE is also planning to issue a circular to the effect in the near future in addition to relaying the message to all Private Recruitment agents under its wing advising them to adhere to the latest protocol.