Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever foreign employment departures in 2024, with 312,836 workers heading overseas, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). 

This included 185,162 men and 127,674 women.

Kuwait topped the list with 77,546 workers, followed by UAE (51,550). 

Notable increases were seen in departures to South Korea (7,098), Israel (9,665), and Japan (8,665).

Migrant workers contributed significantly to foreign exchange, with $ 6,462 million reported by November 2024.