The Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa

¶ 01 In reply to Question 24/2024 on Sri Lankan migrant workers who suffered hardships since 2019:

¶ 02 Answer tabled.

¶ 03 (b) Year – Number affected: - 2019: 4,914 - 2020: 5,130 - 2021: 4,185 - 2022: 4,500 - 2023: 7,534 - 2024: 7,448 - 2025: 8,323 - 2026 up to February: 1,178

¶ 04 By the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) data system, complaints regarding various issues faced by migrant workers are recorded annually as above; annexures provide details on the nature of issues and on compensation paid to registered migrant workers who suffered hardships.

¶ 05 SLBFE provides insurance coverage for registered migrant workers for emergencies, harassment, illness, and death. Claims are lodged at SLBFE Head Office or District Centres with documentation; SLBFE forwards to the insurer and follows up any delays. Payments cover return air tickets, local medical treatment costs, and death benefits to dependents; funds are remitted by cheque to SLBFE and then to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

¶ 06 For situations not covered by insurance, the Domestic Workers’ Welfare Fund provides relief based on applications considered by the Fund Committee; requests through Development Officers and Divisional Secretaries are also entertained.

¶ 07 For complaints on unpaid wages and contract violations of agency-deployed workers, SLBFE acts under Section 44(1) of the SLBFE Act, conducting conciliation and ordering licensed agencies (local/foreign) to pay dues, including travel costs to return to Sri Lanka; non-compliance leads to blacklisting and legal action.

¶ 08 For self-deployed workers, SLBFE assists with coordination; in 2025, Rs. 67,175,873.39 was directly deposited by foreign banks into accounts of 31 affected workers. SLBFE coordinates with Sri Lankan Missions’ Labour/Welfare Sections; provides guidance on Powers of Attorney; and remits awards deposited at Missions to complainants via SLBFE.

¶ 09 To enhance benefits, for deaths occurring after 25.06.2025, dependents of registered workers receive Rs. 1,400,000 from the SLBFE Workers’ Welfare Fund (up from Rs. 600,000). All registered departing workers are provided free insurance, with premiums borne by SLBFE. Workers may opt for enhanced coverage by paying a small additional premium (e.g., Rs. 935.66 for 2-year contracts; Rs. 1,087.38 for 3-year contracts), with higher benefit ceilings such as: - Up to Rs. 600,000 for permanent/partial disability, - Up to Rs. 150,000 for post-return medical expenses due to illness/accident/assault, - Up to Rs. 50,000 for emergency medical expenses post-return within 30 days, - Other specified benefits as per the enhanced scheme.