Insurance cover for Lankans in Saudi

Rasika Somarathna

An international social security programme has been devised to support Sri Lanka's migrant labour in the domestic categories in Saudi Arabia.

The insurance scheme implemented in collaboration with ISSP International is the most comprehensive of its kind, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) sources said.

"An important element in the scheme is that the employer will have to make the total insurance premium without any financial burden to the employee," SLBFE chairman Amal Senalankadhikara said.

The social protection scheme is considered a win-win mechanism for both parties as the concerns of both groups are met in a comprehensive manner, he said. SLBFE sources said workers below 50 years, who seek employment in Saudi as domestic aides, will come under the scheme.

"Workers already in Saudi will be integrated when their employment agreement is renewed."

The benefits to the employee include the payment of SR 15,000 (Rs 435,000) for dependents in case of death of the worker (either due to accident or natural causes) and SR 15,000 (maximum) for hospital admittance or outside treatment for illness. Also in proven cases of abuse against the employee, he or she would be paid SR 15,000 (maximum) as compensation. In cases of non- payment of salaries, the employee would be compensated up to six months. The cover, in addition to financial benefits, includes legal assistance and language translation facilities, free of charge.

The insurance scheme also covers losses incurred by the employer, in case of wrongdoings by the former. In case of employee vacating his or her job before the stipulated period, the employer is provided with the initial payment they made to the employment agent(maximum SR 8,000).

The employer has the right to claim the payment made to the employment agent plus the monies incurred for the airline ticket needed to sent the employee back home if the employee refuses to carry out his or her job functions.