Better deal for migrant workers
Rasika SOMARATHNA
Foreign Employment Minister Dilan Perera promised to deliver enhanced
welfare facilities and a malpractice free service to Sri Lankan migrant
workers.
He said that steps would be taken to establish 24 hour call centres
and a green channel at the airport to better facilitate migrant worker
requirements.
He also promised to establish a foreign employment support centre and
a training facility in line with the latest international standards both
to provide assistance and better training for migrant workers. He
stressed that he would adopt a zero tolerance policy on malpractices
concerning both recruitment agents and officials. He was of the opinion
that the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment should act as an
ombudsman to those migrant workers who seek help and assistance in their
hour of need.
The Minister said that he would introduce a target and performance
based system within his Ministry for salary increments and promotions to
encourage officials. He noted that he would continue to pursue the
policy of looking beyond traditional Middle Eastern markets for new
vistas.
"I would also like to promote skilled manpower for migration and
discourage the practice of sending unskilled labour," he said.
"I would look at the possibility of increasing the minimum age
requirement to 21 for all Sri Lankans departing for employment abroad,"
he added. He promised enhanced security for migrant workers and also
said that he would look into the needs of all Sri Lankan migrants
residing abroad. |