The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has announced that the number of Sri Lankan workers leaving the country for foreign employment is expected to surpass 311,000 by the end of 2024, marking the highest number of departures ever recorded in a single year.
As of December 13, 2024, a total of 300,162 Sri Lankans have already secured jobs abroad, a significant increase from previous years. This figure surpasses the 300,000 milestone for the second time in the past decade, following the previous high of 310,948 workers in 2022.
The SLBFE credits the growing trend to improved opportunities in the global job market and a steady demand for skilled labor, especially in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Despite the challenges of the ongoing economic crisis, foreign employment remains a vital source of income for many Sri Lankan families.
Experts believe that the influx of migrant workers is also a reflection of the country’s efforts to address unemployment and economic instability by providing overseas employment opportunities. The SLBFE remains optimistic about the continued growth of the foreign employment sector in the coming years, projecting even higher numbers in 2025.
The government has also expressed commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of Sri Lankan migrant workers, with additional support measures and policies to streamline the migration process and reduce exploitation.
