Japan draws many Lankan migrant workers but recent suicides raise concerns

Japan has become a popular destination for migrant workers from Sri Lanka.

Considered a friendly country, with polite, obliging people, Sri Lankan migrant workers have made it rich though the beginnings are often tough, especially with language and the work ethic of its locals. The link to Buddhism has also helped.

However, there is a downside to it all. This year alone, the number of reported cases of Sri Lankan deaths, from accidents, suicides and even murders have been on the rise. Much of this has been attributed to the lack of prior orientation of prospective migrant workers before they leave Sri Lanka to take up jobs in Japan. Another factor has been put at migrants being under pressure from the 'home front' back in Sri Lanka pressurising them for more and more remittances due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka and the worker pushing himself to work beyond his or her endurance. The leading cause of death from natural causes is heart disease

Some of the statistics for 2023 alone, are as follows;

26-year-old youth was murdered by a Sri Lankan gang (matter is under investigation) 79-year-old lady committed suicide, reason not known.

25-year-old youth's death was a suspected case of suicide due to family issues 28-year-old youth committed suicide due to differences with his Japanese partner 44-year-old committed suicide due to family issues

27-year-old youth committed suicide due to depression

37-year-old committed suicide - reasons unknown.

25-year-old youth committed suicide due to differences with Sri Lankan partner. 41-year-old committed suicide due to family issues.

With no counselling facilities available for migrant workers, issues for many of them can be one between life and death.