The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I welcome this motion by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake to set up a unit with legal powers to solve the problems faced by migrant workers. Women contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s income—in plantations, apparel, and as migrants, especially to the Middle East. Ensuring their dignity and safety is critical.

¶ 02 In 2024 alone, over 314,000 people went for foreign employment, bringing about USD 6.5 billion in remittances. The Government must take responsibility for the serious issues they face and strengthen the laws. We are bringing legal reforms to enhance their protection.

¶ 03 In 2024, 3,356 complaints were lodged against foreign employment agents—double 2023—yet only 1,977 cases were filed. We must establish a special unit and strengthen enforcement, with full support from the Deputy Minister. Reports emerged in 2024 of housemaids being trafficked in Oman and the UAE. Many lured on tourist visas face sexual and financial exploitation—this is a mafia. We must stop it and protect the rights and dignity of those who bring income to our country.

¶ 04 The Bureau currently acts administratively; it must be strengthened. I suggest linking a special investigative unit with the CID or Police to handle torture and sexual violence cases. A recent case from Jaffna: a worker paralyzed below the waist after a fall; though entitled to substantial insurance, his payout was stolen, leaving him destitute. Many women face similar issues. Accessing foreign legal systems is hard; we need bilateral legal agreements to protect our people. The Government has cracked down on over a thousand illegal agencies, but we must act through law. Enact the needed laws, strengthen institutions, and ensure protection and dignity for our income earners. Thank you.