The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has announced plans to facilitate overseas employment opportunities for 250,000 Sri Lankans during 2026 through government initiatives and licensed foreign employment agencies.
According to the Bureau, despite a slight decline in overseas migration due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, efforts are being made to direct Sri Lankan workers to safer destinations offering higher-paying employment opportunities.
So far this year, 143,087 Sri Lankans have left the country for overseas employment. Of these, 92,590 are men, while 50,497 are women.
Israel continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations among Sri Lankan workers. The SLBFE aims to send 14,000 workers to Israel in 2026, with 7,873 already deployed.
South Korea also remains a key destination, with the Bureau targeting the placement of 8,000 Sri Lankan workers. To date, 4,794 workers have departed for employment in South Korea.
Bureau data further show that 73,623 Sri Lankans secured skilled jobs overseas during the period under review, while 69,494 workers were employed in unskilled positions.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan migrant workers remitted US$4.6 billion to the country during the first six months of 2026, from January to June, providing a significant boost to the national economy.
