The recent deaths of two Sri Lankan workers at a fish farm in South Korea and the disturbing attacks on Sri Lankan migrant workers in Israel with chemical-laced water have once again brought to light the precarious conditions and situations that Sri Lankan migrant workers face overseas.
These incidents are being investigated by Sri Lankan authorities as well as the authorities of the respective countries. However, while these incidents may be isolated ones, longstanding challenges faced by Sri Lankan migrant workers globally, especially in regions like the Middle East, are not new. Such incidents echo earlier instances from the Middle East where the harassment and abuse of Sri Lankan workers, especially domestic workers, were reported, and they did not receive proper support. Disturbingly, there have even been cases where Sri Lankan foreign employment agency officials themselves have been implicated in mistreating migrant workers. We all remember the incidents that unfolded in Myanmar where numerous Sri Lankans were forcibly detained and forced into cyber scam operations.
As safety issues continue to be reported, regardless of the reason behind those issues, it is important that Sri Lanka revisits and strengthens its support systems for migrant workers in order to ensure the safety and dignity of its migrant workforce. As a country that relies heavily on foreign employment for economic survival, Sri Lankan migrant workers’ safety is not something that can be taken lightly. At the same time, it is important to recognise the fact that one critical factor exacerbating these risks is the manner in which many Sri Lankans go abroad in the current economic context. Due to high inflation, an increasing number of people resort to taking unsafe, unstable and often underpaid jobs overseas. A significant proportion of these individuals travel on tourist or visit visas, without disclosing their true intentions to the authorities. This unofficial status makes them invisible to both the Sri Lankan and host country officials, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, poor working conditions and abuse without access to formal support mechanisms.
Given these realities, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive approach to safeguard the wellbeing of Sri Lankan migrant workers. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is a key institution in this discussion, as it is the primary Governmental body overseeing foreign employment. It should be empowered and funded to provide proactive monitoring and support. This includes establishing proper communication channels with workers abroad and rapid response mechanisms for emergencies, and the stronger oversight of recruitment agencies. Regular welfare checks in key destination countries and partnerships with local authorities and embassies can enhance its protection framework.
The Government must also tighten regulation of foreign employment agencies to prevent exploitation and abuse. Transparent licensing, periodic audits and strict penalties for malpractice should be enforced. Moreover, agencies should be mandated to provide pre-departure training on workers’ rights, local laws and safety protocols in destination countries.
Sri Lankan embassies and consulates should be equipped to provide swift legal aid, counselling and shelter support for Sri Lankan migrant workers facing emergencies. Establishing 24/seven helplines, deploying welfare officers in high-risk regions and working closely with international organisations can strengthen these efforts as preventive measures.
At the same time, awareness-raising campaigns are crucial both before departure and after arrival abroad. Workers must be informed about their rights, how to access consular support and how to respond to abusive or unsafe situations. The use of digital platforms, community workshops and collaborations with diaspora groups can be effective tools to spread this knowledge. In addition, efforts should be made to discourage irregular migration by simplifying and expediting legal visa and work permit processes.
The recent heartbreaking incidents are a tragic reminder that the safety of Sri Lankan migrant workers cannot be taken for granted. It is time for concerted action from Governmental bodies, recruitment agencies, the civil society and the community at large, in order to build a safe environment where Sri Lankan migrant workers can pursue their livelihoods with dignity and safety. As the country continues to struggle with economic challenges that push more citizens to seek opportunities overseas, the relevant parties should ensure the availability of effective safeguards, transparent systems and genuine care.