Repatriation of migrant workers to continue
May 30, 2020- 42,522 persons from 123 countries seeking to return to Sri Lanka
Repatriation of migrant workers from the Middle East as well as other regions will continue affirmed Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Friday (May 29).
The Minister stated that the repatriation of migrant workers from the Middle East as well as other regions will continue, in a manner sensitive to the vulnerability of these communities, particularly those who have lost legal status and/or employment in their host countries.
This will be done in consultation with the COVID Task Force, in view of the considerable strain presently placed on the health sector and quarantine centres following the increased number of COVID infected persons who have recently returned from Kuwait. It was noted that suggestions were made to explore the possibility of getting PCR tests done prior to boarding all flights in future.
According to the latest update as at 27 May, 42,522 persons from 123 countries were seeking to return to Sri Lanka. This number includes 34,881 migrant workers of whom 20,893 are living in the Middle East, while 4,961 are short term visa holders, and 2,016 are students.
He expressed this during a meeting held at the Ministry along with Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha, Ministry of Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Secretary Sarath Abeygunawardana, Chairman Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) Kamal Ratwatte, and relevant officials of the two ministries and the SLFEB.