National policy on labour migration on the way

Rasika Somarathna

The Government is expected to introduce a National Policy on Labour Migration during this year with enhanced protocol to regulate and facilitate the industry. Foreign employment is considered as the second largest foreign exchange earner to State Coffers.

The final draft which include a set of proposals, prepared in consultation with all stakeholders is to be presented to the Cabinet shortly for consideration by Foreign Employment and Welfare Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella.

The proposed document is to include regulations on good governance, protection and welfare of migrants and development aspects of labour migration.

Under the proposed Good Governance theme, matters such as improving recruitment procedures, sub-agents and foreign employment agents, minimising exploitation and preventing human trafficking would be examined. The proposed National Policy will also introduce better protocol on migrant worker rights, issues pertaining to salary/perks, welfare facilities, personal issues during pre and post-migration period and effective measures to help relatives at home.

There are also the proposals to concentrate on matters such as maximising migrants contributions to the national economy, new vistas in foreign employment, skilled manpower to cater to modern day demands, etc.