Brighter tomorrow for migrant workers

Rasika Somarathna

Migration overseas has been a trend in search of greener pastures.Middle East offered the lucrative ground to gather petro-dollars for a lifetime. Therefore the influx of migrants to Middle East from Sri Lanka escalated rapidly since the seventies when the Non Alignment Conference in 1976 opened doors of opportunity.

Migrant workforce - highest foreign exchange earner in Sri Lanka.

The NAM decided to grant more job opportunities to Asian nations in the Middle Eastern region. Since then the number of Sri Lankans migrating for jobs abroad, specially to Middle Eastern destinations has seen a rapid increase. Furthermore it has shown strong signs of continuity.

Sri Lanka is one of the countries which grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Although lacking in an efficient system to supplement its enormous potential in the initial stages Sri Lanka today has a solid and professional mechanism to promote its manpower capabilities overseas. Especially during the last five years the numbers clearly indicate Sri Lanka’s progress in the sector.

The migrant work force which stood close to 1.2 million in 2006 has risen to over 1.8 million at present with an ever growing annual outflow exceeding 250,000. As a result today Sri Lanka’s migrant worker fraternity numbering over 1.8 million positions itself as the highest foreign exchange earner at 35 percent.

It is interesting to learn that the total number who depends on these migrant worker earnings is considered to be nearly 20 percent of the total population.

It also has contributed significantly in reducing unemployment in the country. Although Sri Lanka started its journey from the Middle Eastern countries, today Lankan migrant workers have spread their wings across the globe.

However, as told earlier, a formal mechanism for promotion, development and regularization of the industry had been lacking over the years with the exception of Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, which was established in 1985 being the only institution concerned and involved in this challenging sphere.

But with the advent of a new Government headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the manpower export industry in the country underwent several important changes which gave it the professional status it richly deserved. Under the President’s directive, authorities came up with new strategies and mechanisms to develop the industry.

On the eve of the inauguration of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s second successive term in office the Daily News spoke to the SLBFE Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka on Sri Lanka’s progress in the foreign employment sector during the last five years and its plans ahead.

Q: When looking back, in which period did authorities take steps to put in place a formal mechanism for promotion, development and regularization of the manpower export industry?

A: Since 1976 there have been many attempts in this regard. However, none of these initiatives achieved desired expectations. As a result when President Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed duties as the Labour Minister in 1994, the SLBFE did not even possess monies to pay salaries of its own staff. During the period of 1994 - 1997 the President as the Labour Minister then took steps to lay the foundation for the sector’s future prosperity. He initiated a new registration process for migrant workers, regional branch offices were opened, enhanced welfare facilities were introduced and an insurance scheme came into effect.

In addition officials were encouraged to look out for new vistas, beyond the traditional Middle Eastern markets.

If these changes had not been implemented at that time the industry to- date may not have taken off this far. Other countries may have grabbed the opportunity as this is a highly competitive field.

Q: Over a period of time, has these measures contributed to the sector’s future growth?

A: This is amply shown in the numbers. Today Sri Lanka’s strong 1.8 million plus migrant worker population is its biggest foreign revenue earner. The SLBFE’s income during the last four years has grown from Rs 80 million to over Rs 500 million. This has given us the opportunity to provide enhanced welfare facilities to both the migrant workers and their families. For example the President as the Labour Minister then in 1994 - 1997 period initiated a scholarship scheme for needy children of migrant workers. At that time the children who benefited were less than 200. But today the program provides Rs 45 million annually to supplement the educational needs of a large number of children of migrant workers.

Q: Can you describe the progress made in the sector during the last five years, under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Government?

A: The Mahinda Chinthana policies clearly outline the avenues that should be pursued by authorities in order to improve safe migration for viable employment. The objective is to become the best, skilled and professional labour provider in the global job market by competing satisfactorily with existing markets. Its mission is to convert the entire labour migration sector into a demand driven process and make it highly competitive by introducing required structural changes together with necessary promotional and welfare activities to meet the international market challenges, realizing the importance of its contribution to the national economy.

In line the SLBFE as the main regulator of the industry it has taken a number of steps both in protection and welfare of the migrant workers as well as improving their skills and looking out for new vistas for migration.

One of the measures taken during the period is Job Agreements. Signing employment agreements were termed as mandatory prior to departure.

The documents include all relevant details including salaries, term of work, facilities provided, leave etc. All job agreements were channelled through relevant embassies in order to protect worker rights as well as prevent malpractices. Even internationally the method is recognized as one of the best of its kind.

Another measure is Minimum Salary - Sri Lankan migrant worker’s minimum salary was increased to US $ 200. Even though there was some reluctance by certain parties to implement the above initially the SLBFE stood firm on the issue. As a result all foreign employers who employ Lankan migrants have been told to strictly abide by the agreement.

Grading System for Agents is yet another measure that support migrant workers. A grading system was introduced to encourage foreign employment agents. In accordance with their gradings enhanced facilities have been provided to top performers. The competition among agents has benefited migrant workers.

Blacklisting Sponsors is an important measure introduced. With the help of relevant embassies steps have been taken to blacklist all foreign sponsors who violate terms in the job agreements and those who are accused of abuse.

A very valid measure taken is Domestic Worker Training which was upgraded in accordance with the latest global standards. However the SLBFE has taken a policy decision to discourage the migration of unskilled domestic workers and has taken steps to encourage skilled manpower migration.

Web based information system has been introduced. Information on employment opportunities, agent details, training opportunities etc were made available through Bureau’s web www.slbfe.lk

Registration of Migrant Workers Returning Home was yet another measure that add value. Steps have been taken to register all migrant workers who come back after completing foreign jobs. A detailed data base is been created including all their details in order to secure them local employment opportunities. They are to be given all necessary assistance to find them employment opportunities as well as start businesses.

Due to multiple efforts Sri Lanka has increased its ranking in the Korean job market from 13 to three. At present we send 4000 plus annually.

The training provided by the authorities prior to departure has been acknowledged by Korean authorities as the best among all countries which send workers to Korea.

Training for Males is a new initiative. For the first time in history the SLBFE initiated a pre-departure training for male migrants.

Housing Scheme for the Disabled - If any Sri Lankan gets disabled 75 per cent or more during employment abroad, they are provided with a house and other necessities courtesy the SLBFE.

Daru Diriya Program was launched to look into the welfare of migrant worker children

Medical Assistance : The SLBFE took steps to provide medical facilities to all returning migrant workers who need such assistance.

A MOU was signed with Sri Jayawardenepura hospital in this regards.

Family Welfare Unit - It was established to give necessary assistance to family members back home during any emergency or need. Appointed officers reach out to members in need. A policy was adopted to go from door to door to inquire into the needs of the migrant worker families instead of waiting for them to come to authorities.

The SLBFE Act was amended mainly with the idea of giving more teeth to enforcing officials to deal with malpractices. For the first time in the history SLBFE sleuths were given powers to arrest without warrant.

Regional branches were opened to serve the public more efficiently. New branches were opened throughout the country including the North and the East.

Educational Trips - Foreign educational trips were organized for migrant worker children who excelled in their education.

Q: What are the plans for the future ?

A: We are planning to set up a Foreign Employment Academy. The academy would provide skills training in multiple fields in accordance with the latest global requirements. It would provide a globally recognized qualification in specific fields. In addition the academy would also act as a research centre to study on emerging markets and new vistas.

Also plans are afoot to duly register all the sub agents as business development representatives of relevant agents.

To coincide with the beginning of President’s second term in office we would launch two special programs.

The first would be a self employment scheme for those who get disabled while working abroad. Those who are considered as 50 percent disabled or more would qualify as beneficiaries. A Rs 25000 allowance would be provided to them initially. All other necessary assistance too would be given.

President during his tenure as the Labour Minister initiated a scholarships program for migrant worker children starting with 200.

Now it has grown to one which provides Rs 45 million annually to a large number of students. Secondly, in line, we would soon introduce a scholarship program for needy migrant worker children to study at Government Vocational Training Centres. The SLBFE would make the necessary payments on behalf of them.

Migrant worker community and their families can look forward to a brighter tomorrow with President Mahinda Rajapaksa taking office for an auspicious Second Term.