Special programme for women migrant workers

Ministry of Foreign Employment to introduce

A special programme for the betterment of the family members of women migrant workers would be introduced soon by the Ministry of Foreign Employment, Minister Thalatha Athukorala said yesterday.

Taking part in the ‘Interactive Symposium on challenges faced by women in Sri Lanka’ organised by the Federation of University Women (FUW), Minister Athukorala promised to implement the new steps that had been approved by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Under the new programme, interest rates of the NRFC accounts of women migrant workers would be increased by 2.5 per cent and a new pension scheme will be introduced for them after collecting appropriate information through the Grama Niladhari Divisions.

A new age limit for the children of women applicants would also be imposed and accordingly, women with children under the age of 12-years would not be eligible for foreign employment.

“We have considered the welfare of these children too. We will negotiate with the Ministry of Public Administration to send development officers monthly to check on the migrant women workers’ families. Our assistance will be given to the needed families,” Ms. Athukorala said.

The symposium was organised by the board of women of the FUW including its President Ms. Indra Puvimanasinghe, Vice Presidents Prof. Eugene Wickramanayake, Ms. Seela Ebert and Secretary Ms. Neliya Fernando to commemorate International Women’s Day 2015.

We will negotiate with the Ministry of Public Administration to send development officers monthly to check on the migrant women workers’ families.