Migrant-worker issues need collective solutions

External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris said blanket bans of migrant labour would not be practical, but more discussions on movement of labour should be undertaken with a need to focus on special protection and attention to particular segments of the labour force.

He expressed these views at the “Asia – Gulf States Regional Dialogue on Standard Terms of Employment for Migrant Domestic Workers” held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on December 3 and 4. It was sponsored by UN Women and the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion & Welfare.

More than 15 coun- tries from the Asian and Gulf region participated at the meeting. The minister was the Chief Guest. He highlighted the role played by migrant workers who leave Sri Lanka’s shores for temporary employment overseas and contribute towards the economic growth of receiving states. The minister said the vibrancy of the Sri Lankan economy was due to the invaluable service that migrant labour played with re- mittance flows amounting to some US$7 billion surpassing all export earnings from commodities such as garments, tea and rubber.

He appreciated the contribution of UN Women towards this dialogue and underscored the commitment that Sri Lanka placed on working together to find collective solutions to a number of issues and challenges confronting migrant workers and identified four areas to focus on.