'Migrants, their families should be looked after'

Ishara Mudugamuwa

It is necessary to take care of outbound migrants, inbound migrants, internal migrants and families left behind to ensure healthy migration for healthy economy, said National Focal Point Migration, Health and Development, Policy Analysis and Development Director Susie Fernando addressing the media yesterday at the Family Health Bureau.

She said that as a result of rapid development thousands of migrant workers come to Sri Lanka from various countries. About 42,000 resident visas were issued last year. Attention should be paid on health issues of them, she said.

International Organization for Migration Chief of Mission Richard Danziger said that the malnutrition rate is high among children of outbound migrant workers. The caregiver of most of the children of outbound migrant workers are above 50 years. Psychological problems are arising among these children.

A Website on Migration, Health and Development was launched by Health Ministry Secretary T.R.C. Ruberu and International Organization for Migration Chief of Mission Richard Danziger. The web portal will act as an information hub for Migration, Health and Development in Sri Lanka.