Compensation for Migrant Workers Who Die Abroad Increased to Rs. 2 Million

The compensation payable to migrant workers who die while employed overseas has been increased to Rs. 2 million, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said.

The Minister described the increase as significant relief for migrant workers and their families while speaking at an event where compensation totalling Rs. 70 million was handed over to the relatives of 50 migrant workers who had died while employed abroad.

Previously, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) provided Rs. 600,000 in compensation in the event of a migrant worker’s death while employed overseas.

Minister Herath said the previous compensation was inadequate and welcomed the decision to increase the payment to Rs. 2 million.

Approximately 250 migrant workers die each year due to various circumstances, he said, adding that programmes and proposals have been initiated to help address the situation.

“Migrant workers remit nearly US$ 8 billion to the country annually,” Herath said, noting that the SLBFE already provides a range of welfare services and that further programmes are being introduced.

Among the proposed measures is a scheme to facilitate housing loans of up to Rs. 10 million for migrant workers through banks at low interest rates, with the Bureau subsidising part of the interest.

The Bureau also provides welfare benefits to the children of migrant workers, including school supplies and annual scholarships, the Minister said.