The meeting will include diplomats from key destinations such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Discussions will focus on migrant worker conditions, employment opportunities, contingency plans and the outlook for remittance inflows.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra said that the meeting will assess measures needed to ensure continued protection and support for Sri Lankan nationals working in the region.
Sri Lankan migrant workers send home nearly US$ 8 billion annually, accounting for around eight to nine percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and making remittances one of the largest sources of foreign exchange. More than one million Sri Lankans are employed overseas, the majority in Middle Eastern countries.
Hemachandra said five Sri Lankans had been injured amid the current tensions — three in the UAE and two in Qatar. However, he noted that most workers have chosen to remain in their host countries.
“Migrant workers have decided to stay mainly because they are following local security protocols and their employment contracts. Host Governments have provided safety arrangements and visa extensions,” he said.
He added that authorities are registering Sri Lankans who wish to return home and arrangements will be made to facilitate their return once flight services resume. At the same time, many others remain interested in taking up new employment opportunities in the region.
According to officials, only a small number of Sri Lankan migrant workers have so far requested repatriation.
