Colombo: The Bureau of Foreign Employment reported on Monday that at least 300,000 Sri Lankans will depart their crisis-stricken nation for jobs abroad this year, with the majority of them opting to work in Gulf nations.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 152,000 Sri Lankan workers have left the nation, with over 112,000 of them going to the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia was the most popular destination, followed by Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE for these individuals.
According to Gamini Senarath Yapa, deputy general manager of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, the total number of departures will likely reach 300,000 in 2023.
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Their preferred location is the Middle East because of the established labour connections and competitive pay scales that make the area a significant source of remittances.
Over 1 million Sri Lankan expats, or more than half of the nation's overseas labour force, are currently employed in Gulf nations.
The majority of our agents focus on the Middle Eastern market, according to Yapa. Jobs are readily available and easy to get to because the country needs labour to grow its economy.
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The top destination is Saudi Arabia, which streamlined the hiring process for skilled workers from the island nation by signing a skill verification agreement with Sri Lanka in February.
The agreement covers 23 professions, and Saudi employers accept certifications from the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka.
Sectors are diverse, according to Yapa. There are opportunities for you if you are qualified and a skilled worker.
The nation, which has been engulfed in its worst financial crisis since last year, relies heavily on remittances from expatriate workers.
Given that Sri Lankans have already sent home $2.3 billion as of May, this year's inflows are anticipated to surpass last year's $3.8 billion total.
But their trip abroad is important for more reasons than just the money. Additionally, it's the knowledge they pick up.
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In addition to currency, they are also bringing experience, according to Yapa. "That definitely helps our economy because they are returning with so much knowledge,"