Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath says the Government will soon present a new Foreign Employment Act to Parliament to strengthen the rights and protection of Sri Lankan migrant workers.
Speaking in Parliament today (8), the Minister said the legislation will address gaps in the existing legal framework. He added that work is also underway to introduce overseas voting rights and a contributory pension scheme for Sri Lankans working abroad.
The Minister said the Government has launched the “Lanka Konnect” website and mobile app, allowing Sri Lankans overseas to submit grievances from anywhere in the world.
He also said action has been taken to eliminate corruption and illegal practices involving foreign employment agencies through a special investigation unit that includes officers from the CID.
According to the Minister, compensation paid to the families of Sri Lankans who die while employed overseas has been increased from Rs. 600,000 to Rs. 2 million.
On the economy, the Minister said Sri Lanka received a record US$8 billion in foreign remittances during the Government’s first year in office, while remittances reached US$4.75 billion during the first six months of 2026.
He further announced that a new training centre for youth in the Northern Province will be established and said new employment opportunities have been opened in Japan for truck drivers, construction workers and graduates through bilateral agreements.
The Minister also said issues relating to the recognition of Italian driving licences have been resolved and urged job seekers not to pay illegal brokers demanding Rs. 4-4.5 million for jobs in Israel, noting that private agencies are only permitted to charge up to twice the worker’s monthly salary. (Newswire)