Sri Lanka mulls ban on sending maids abroad
KUWAIT: There is a huge possibility that Sri Lanka will place a ban on sending domestic helpers to Kuwait and other parts of the world. Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kuwait CAHM Wijeratne said Sri Lanka is now feeling the social impact of sending domestic labor abroad. Of the total of 130,000 Sri Lankans residing in Kuwait, some 80,000 are domestic helpers. “We are paying the price - the social impact is huge, and families are breaking up,” he said in remarks to the media. “For some women, it’s a way to get away from a drunk husband, but the government is seriously contemplating (placing a ban),” said Wijeratne at a meeting with Ministry of Health officials at the embassy to open a regular weekly health service in the embassy compound.
Several doctors and health officials recently paid a visit at the embassy to arrange the program and check the facilities. They agreed to hold a weekly health checkup at the embassy. “Last year we organized a medical camp at the embassy. This new initiative was a request from our side because I personally believe that health should be everybody’s priority. This is a concern not just from our side, but from their side too, because everyone in the country should be healthy,” said Wijeratne.
He pointed out that some runaway housemaids at the embassy shelter are deprived of health services due to their residency status. “I told them it’s not just my problem but the problem of your country as well because if they have communicable diseases and it spreads, it’s a problem of the host country and needs to be cured. I thank them for heeding my request,” he noted. “When they visited our embassy, they told me we will conduct regular health checks and if there are any serious problems, we can refer them to the hospital - even MRIs will be free. So I am very happy about it,” he said.
Wijeratne’s efforts were prompted by an incident at the embassy where a runaway housemaid died of a heart attack. He said medical check-ups are necessary to help them survive any sicknesses or diseases. “The health ministry listened, so I really appreciate the fact that they are cooperating with us fully and their commitment to regular health services here. I thank them greatly,” he added. The embassy has installed a multi-purpose hall in front of the compound and the regular check-up will be held there, according to the envoy.