Foreign Ministry to assist Sri Lankans in Middle-East
April 16, 2020
Foreign Ministry has requested additional fund allocations from the Treasury to increase the distribution of dry rations and to attend immediate issues of the migrants those who are unable to return in the island.
“This is to help overcome immediate difficulties experienced by the migrants who are unable to return to Sri Lanka, in view of the present closure of the airports in Sri Lanka for arrival, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” a media release issued by the Ministry said.
Meanwhile Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has decided to facilitate all the migrant workers in Middle East countries through the ‘Workers Welfare Fund’ which was originally meant to facilitate only the registered persons. This measure has been initiated in addition to the supportive measures extended by respective missions and funds allocated by the Foreign Ministry.
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Minister of Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Dinesh Gunawardena, during a meeting convened with the SLBFE and Ministry officials had discussed on policy changes to address the issues of migrant works stranded in the backdrop of spreading pandemic over the Middle- East countries. Emphasis has also paid into the consequences of redundancy that might take place over the issue and have sought avenues to assist their families living in the country. |
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The multilateral organisations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Crescent Society have extended some relief measures to the Sri Lankans in some countries. Ministry has also made representations seeking additional support to all Sri Lankan missions to the IOM and Red Cross through the SL permanent mission in Geneva.
Full statement of the media release : https://www.mfa.gov.lk/foreign-ministry-and-slbfe-assist-sri-lankans-in-the-middle-east/