Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare
Performance Report
- 2012
Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion & Welfare
Tower – 5, Level 12, Central Bank Building, No. 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01
Message from Hon. Minister
This is the second performance report of the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, since my assumption of
responsibilities for this portfolio. These two years have been hectic, but it has also provided me an opportunity for reflection. Activities
are elaborated in this performance report. I would like to take this opportunity to share my reflections on the function of foreign
employment and its wider impact on society.
This Ministry is one of the institutions vested with responsibilities for ensuring social justice to the people of Sri Lanka. The ensurance
of social justice has many limbs, among them in the provision of a greater degree of choice to the rural poor. Provision of choice is only
possible through empowerment.
The political approach to providing choice is through the one man one vote system. This is not adequate. The rural poor, though they are
politically empowered, do not enjoy the ability to fully access the instruments of that empowerment like health, education. Very often,
these are disproportionately enjoyed by those who have higher levels of income than the rural poor. To enable the rural poor to step up
the ladder of equality, it needs to be empowered through income support. It is no wonder that the first of the Millennium Development
Goals is poverty alleviation.
This Ministry is one of the institutions which provides income support. It does so by providing employment opportunities abroad. The
rural poor are the greatest beneficiaries. At a time when the unemployment rate has come down to an unbelievable rate of 4% and the
poverty rate has dropped to a all-time low of 7%, further income generation by the rural poor, would enable them to vastly improve their
life styles and life chances. For the first time in their lives they could abolish want, while doing so, benefitting Sri Lanka. 17% of our
working population is employed abroad, and, in 2012, will be remitting US $ 6 Billion, that is Rs. 780 Billion, every cent of it going to
their rural homes. This ensures that these, so far marginalized families, to enjoy among others, better nutrition and acceptable housing.
But this Ministry is not merely in the business of using the rural poor as engines for increasing national and familial incomes. It is
intimately concerned with their social welfare, while they are working abroad and, on their return too. New institutions are being
developed in the rural areas, the Rataviruwo Organization. Through this, the left behind families will be looked after, while migrant
workers are abroad. At the same time, new social security systems are being developed abroad to ensure that, while they secure higher
incomes, they work in environments and in conditions of freedom, equality, security and human dignity.
Dilan Perera M.P.
Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare
i
Message from Secretary
With nearly 1.5- 1.7 Million Sri Lankans working abroad, foreign employment now impacts over 25% of our population. As workers
from the remotest areas of our country have migrated for employment, remittances of migrant workers have become a main driving
force on poverty alleviation and rural development.
The total remittances of migrant workers in 2011 totaled USD 5.14 Billion (Rs 668 Billion) and this amount is expected to increase up
to USD 6.0 Billion (Rs.780 Billion) in 2012. This amount is equivalent to 25% of the total government revenue and 35% of the total
foreign exchange earnings. This is by far the highest source of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka and more importantly is received without
any capital investment. Another, very significant aspect is that nearby 50% of migrant workers, who are female domestic workers, were
mostly economically non-productive before their departure from Sri Lanka.
Undoubtedly, this source of foreign income is critically important to the economic development of our country. It will be of paramount
importance to take all necessary steps to nurture and develop this industry taking the potential risk factors in to consideration. An
unhealthy feature of our migration profile is the concentration of nearly 91.5% of our workers in 8 countries in the Middle East. Any
disturbance in the Middle East will spell disaster to Sri Lanka, as 60% of remittances came for these countries with nearly 1.3 Million
Sri Lankans employed. The competition from the new entrants to the foreign employment market such as Nepal, Vietnam, Afghanistan,
Ethiopia and some traditional labour suppliers such as Bangladesh, and Indonesia cannot be overlooked. These countries will in
particular compete for a larger share of low skilled and domestic work market. If we are to maintain our market share, it will be of
much importance to improve our training facilities and courses, earmarking the requirements in overseas markets. In this direction, the
Ministry has embarked on developing the training facilities with emphasis on NVQ accredited qualifications. Further, a MOU is to be
entered with the Ministry of Youth Affaires and Skill Development for greater collaboration in repositioning our vocational courses to
suit foreign employment, which will also facilitate to diversify our market competition.
To deliver welfare services more effectively a grassroots level network is being created with the establishment of Rataviruwo
Organization, which will be further assisted with the employment of 1000 development officers attached to Divisional Secretariat
offices.
Nissanka N. Wijeratne
Secretary
Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare.
ii
Contents
Page
List of Statistical Charts, Graphics & Tables
Executive Summary
iv - v
vi - viii
1.
Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
Establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare
Vision of the Ministry
Mission of the Ministry
Key Functions of the Ministry
Statutory Organizations under the Ministry
Legislative Enactments
Organizations under Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare
1.7.1 Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment
1.7.2 Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency (Pvt.) Ltd.
Our Commitment:
01
01
01
01
02
02
02
03
03
04
National Labour Migration Policy
1.9.1 Salient features of the National Labour Migration Policy.
04
05
1.8
1.9
1.10 Indicators on Foreign Employment Sector Performance.
1.11 Achievements under Mahinda Chinthana Programme
1.12 Way Forward
1.13 Achievements
Financial Performance – 2012
2.
Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
Planning, Research and Information Technology (IT) Division
Marketing, Recruitment and Publicity Division
Training Division
Quality wise Achievements
Foreign Relation Division – I (Overseas Administration)
Foreign Relation Division – II
Legal Division
Conciliation Division
Procurement Division
Welfare, Sociology and Airport Division
Financial Performance 2012 &2011
3.
06 - 14
15 - 20
21 - 23
24 - 25
26
27 - 29
29 - 34
35 - 42
43 - 44
44 - 51
51 - 53
54 - 55
56 - 58
59
60 -61
62 - 64
Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency (SLFEA)
3.1 Administration Division
3.2 Human Resources Division
65
65
iii
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
Recruitment Division
Finance Division
Insurance Division
Migrant Workers Departure Details
Financial Performance
66 - 67
68
69
70 - 74
List of Statistical Charts,Graphics & Tables
1. National Labour Migration Policy
2. Indicators on Foreign Employment Sector Performance Workers‟ Remittances
(Table 01 & Table 02)
3. Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance (Contd.) - (Chart 01)
4. Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance - Workers‟ Remittances
January - June 2011/2012(US $ Mn.) - (Chart 02)
5. Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance - (Chart 03)
6. Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance.Workers‟ Remittances
Region-wise (US $ Mn.) - (Table 03)
7. Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance (Contd.) - (Chart 04)
8. Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance - (Chart 05)
9. Skilled levels Departures for Foreign Employment 1994 - June 2012 (Table - 04)
10. Total Departures for Foreign Employment by skills Levels 1994 – 2011 (Chart - 06)
11. Skilled levels and other Grades Departures for Foreign Employment
(1st six months of 2010, 2011 & 2012) - (Table - 05)
12. Comparison of Male Migrant Workers, House maid & other Female Migrant
Workers in 2010 (Chart- 07)
13. Comparison of Male Migrant Workers, Housemaids & Other Female Migrant
Workers for the period: 2006 – 2011 (Table - 06)
14. Comparison of Male & Female Departures: 2007- 2011 (Chart- 08)
15. Employment Migration by Sex 1986 – 2011 (Chart- 09)
16. Increased opportunities for skilled Workers
i.
Male Departures for Foreign Employment by Manpower Levels
1994 – 2010 (Chart- 10)
ii.
Male Departures for Foreign Employment by Manpower Levels
2007 – 2011 (Chart- 11)
iv
Page
04
06
07
07
08
08
09
09
10
11
11
12
12
13
13
14
14
17. Achievements under Mahinda Chinthana Programme
i. Securing 100,000 jobs in South Korea, Malaysia, Italy, Japan and Libya (Table - 07)
ii. EPS Agreement with South Korea (Table - 08)
iii. More skilled jobs in Nursing, Shipping, IT, Accounting, Banking and Engineering
(Table - 09)
18. Special Achievements
i. Air- ticketing counter Performance (January 2012 -June 2012)
ii. 24 hrs – 265 days Information Operating Call Centre (e-ombudsman) (Table - 10)
19. Graduates in Nursing and Medicine in Philippines (Table - 11)
20. Achievements/outputs for the period January – August 2012 (Table - 12)
21. Achievements/outputs proposed to be completed by December 2012 (Table - 13)
22. Employment opportunities and Welfare of Sri Lankan employees in South Korea
1. Korean Employment License System
(Table - 14)
2. Report on the South Korean Job Recruitments as at 07-09-2012
i.
Agreements made in 2012
ii.
Web Registration (Table - 15)
23. Housekeeping Training Programme for Middle Eastern Countries (Chart- 12)
24. Housekeeping Training Programme for Singapore (Chart - 13)
25. Housekeeping training programme for Cyprus (Chart - 14)
26 Caregiver Training Programme for Israel (Chart - 15)
26. Seven (07) Days Training Programme for Migration Female Domestic Workers(Chart - 16)
27. Conduct of 18 days literacy programme for migrant workers (Chart - 17)
28. Five (05) days Orientation programme for non-domestic workers (Chart - 18)
29. Regular committee meetings of WWF were held during the period January to June 2012.
(Table - 16)
30. Strengthening and capacity building of Labour Sections of Sri Lankan Mission Overseas
(Table - 17) & (Table - 18)
31. Monitoring and Staffing of Labour Sections (Table - 19)
32. Arrangements of delegations (Table - 20) & (Table - 21)
33. Number of Business Promotion Road Show Programmes (Table – 22)
34. Study Tours for SLBFE staff (Table – 23)
35. Repatriation of stranded Sri Lankans from overseas (Table – 24)
36. Death Cases of Sri Lankan Migrant Workers (Table – 25)
v
15
15
17
20
20
23
30
31
32
34
34
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
45
46
46
47
47
48
48
49
37. Accidents and Death Cases Reported (Table – 26)
38. Breakdown of cases of deaths during the year 2012 & Jail Cases Attended
(Table – 27) & (Table – 28)
39. Detentions in Safe Houses (up to 30-07-2012) (Table – 29)
40. Number of Files pending as at 31-08 -2012 (Table – 30)
41. Settlement of complaints received up to 31-08-2012 (Table – 31) , (Table – 32),
(Table – 33) & (Table – 34)
42. Welfare, Sociology and Airport Division
i.
Achievements/outputs for January – August 2012 (Table – 35)
43. Financial Performance of Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment
44. Recruitment details from January to September 2012 & 2009,2010,2011 (Table – 36 & Table 37)
45. Financial Performance of Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency
vi
49
50
51
53
56 – 58
60
62 - 64
69
70
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Regulation to Market Orientation of Evolution of Foreign Employment Management
1.
Background:
A spectre is haunting developed countries, a spectre of a hollowing out of its middle demographic level, giving emphasis to the two
peripheries, one the youth- who are the producers- and second, and the aged, who are the dependents. Their crisis is our opportunity.
This demographic evolution has offered the developing countries unprecedented chances for short term contract employment, to be
optimised through a planned use and deployment of their human resources.
Human resources, within a State, shift from the country, to the town, to the city and eventually to the metropolis, where they develop a
yearning to move to a developed country. This is a movement from the country to the urban centre. The developed countries have now
become a large city by itself, for which are sourced the human capabilities now resident in the rural world, to fill their hollowed
demographic profile. The Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare is the intermediary to organize and manage a human
based shift of human resources from the nation to the developed counties. It is the fulcrum institution in the supply chain of human
resources, flowing from the developing countries to the developed countries.
2.
Enticing Prospects in the Developed Countries:
The world remittance market in 2011 was US $ 450 Billion, remitted to their home countries by 225-250 million migrant workers. The
remittances from the 11 sending countries in Asia- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines,
Thailand, Vietnam- alone were over US $ 200 Billion, with India accounting for US $ 66 Billion, China US $ 57 Billion, Philippines US
$ 19 Billion, Pakistan and Bangladesh equalling with US $ 12 Billion each. As against these figures, Sri Lanka „s remittances were US $
5.2 Billion in 2011 and, based on six months figures in 2012, should reach US $ 6 Billion in 2012. Sri Lanka has the highest literacy rate
of these countries.
A striking relevant statistic is that the Philippines, with a population of 95 million, earns a remittance income of US $ 19 Billion from
1.2 million migrant workers she sends yearly, while, Sri Lanka, with a population of 20 million, earns US $ 6 Billion, from 265,000
migrant workers sent yearly. It is noted that the Philippines is basically in the same geographical and product markets as is Sri Lanka.
Thus, from both world and regional perspectives, foreign employment is not a mature market but an enticing one. Its potential for
expansion is enormous.
vii
3.
Impact on Sri Lanka of Her Remittance Income:
The US $ 5.2 Billion Sri Lanka received has a significant macro-economic impact. It forms 8.2% of the GDP, employs 17% of her
workforce and earns over 35% of her foreign exchange. It is by far the highest of the other sectors that contribute foreign exchange,
these being, Tea, Rubber, Coconut, Garments (Net), Tourism, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), etc. Each of them contributes US $ 1.5
Billion or less. Sri Lanka‟s year on year, increase in remittances alone equal US $ 1 Billion. It is a net increase, not incurring
government foreign expenditure.
The impact of remittances on the labour market is also significant. About 150,000 enter the labour market every year. By sending
225,000 out every year, migrant workers not only neutralize the labour market increase, but reduce the existing labour force by about
75,000, thus reducing the unemployment rate to about 5.4%, which is one of the lowest in the world.
4.
Poverty Alleviation through Remittances:
Migrant workers are mostly from the rural poor. The present stock of migrant workers, active abroad, is about 1.7 million. This means
that roughly 1.7 million families depend for their financial support from remittances of US $ 6 Billion. US $ 6 Billion is equivalent of
Rs. 780 Billion which drip feeds to every home of the rural poor monthly, with the regularity of a pension payment. In another
comparison, the total 2012 National Budget for both recurrent and capital was Rs. 2.25 Trillion. Remittances are about one third of the
total Budget. This could be compared with Samurdhi beneficiaries. There are about 1.6 million families drawing Samurdhi benefits,
totalling Rs. 9 Billion. It will be noted that, because of the nature of the migrant worker‟s market location, remittances are recession
proof.
The world migration market is wide open to be tapped. To do so, excellent semi-skilled and skilled manpower is required. Management
is nothing but combing the five inputs of men, money, materials, method and machines to get out market desired outputs, efficiently and
effectively.
5.
Shifting to the Marketing Mode:
The concentration of the Ministry and its agencies, so far, had been a preoccupation with regulations. The whole emphasis is now
shifting. While retaining the essential regulatory concern, the task of the Ministry is to shift to a marketing mode. A reinvention is
required. To do so, its first task would be to shed those supports which had so far sustained it, but which have now become obsolete.
The Austrian economist Schumpeter stated that development was through creative destruction. Housemaids had been so far the nodal
focus in the Ministry‟s foreign employment efforts. It was 66% of the entire foreign employment in 1995 but has now reduced to 44%.
Housemaids are the bottom-feeders of the foreign employment market chain, subject to harassment and much abuse. The Ministry has
taken the decision not to encourage housemaids, which it started by rising the minimum age to 21 years, to be gradually increased to 25
viii
years. But this does not mean ban. It means a shift of skills to make them even more attractive to the market. It is brand management of
a much improved and desired product.
The new marketing strategy has four limbs5.1.
Expand market share in existing markets, with upgraded existing products. [Housemaids are to be upgraded to domestic
housekeeping assistants with training and an insistence on a NVQ Level 3 qualifications ]
5.2.
Introduce market share in traditional markets with new products [For example:
introduce nurses into the Qatar market.]
5.3.
Introduce traditional products into new markets. [For example, housemaids to be sent to Hong Kong. The housemaid market
in Hong Kong is well looked after with labour laws and superannuation benefits]
5.4.
Introduce new products to new markets. [For example sending trained miners into the burgeoning Australian market]
Within these marketing strategies, human resource products were to be developed as individual specific, company specific and country
specific products. These marketing strategies would need a concentration on product, price, place, positioning and promotion.
6.
A New Environment Based Development Paradigm:
The development paradigm followed in the 60 years of independence, was either based on the Washington Consensus or the Chicago
school of neo-liberalism. Both were based on using natural resources for development in unabashed violence to nature, unconcerned
with environmental concerns and indifferent to societal poverty. Neither has proved of enduring value, noting the massive
environmental degradation and the failure of the trickle-down argument. Sri Lanka has pioneered a new developmental paradigm, using
exportable human resources drawn from the poor, thus levering them upwards and using the knowledge acquisition obtained abroad, to
engineer home based development. This may be termed the Environment Based Development Paradigm.
7.
Next Steps:
Within this new development paradigm, and based on what has been achieved in Sri Lanka‟s foreign supply chain of human resources,
the next steps for Sri Lankan exportable human resources are:
7.1.
Retrain the highly literate Sri Lankan youth for job oriented markets abroad. (A beginning has been made with the caregiver
program started with the Open University of Sri Lanka)
7.2.
Shift away from the lowest level of the housemaid market to higher skilled occupations. (This follows from 7.1 above)
ix
7.3.
Negotiate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with receiving countries emphasising the human aspects of foreign
workers.
7.4.
Increase use of information technology in most foreign employment activities.
7.5.
Actively use the skills acquired by returnee migrant workers to make them become entrepreneurs, thereby shifting from
being employees to employers.
7.6.
Build the Rataviruwo organization, which is a major institutional inset in rural administration.
While new marketing strategies are to be developed, programmes for dealing with humanitarian issues in existing markets and giving
attention to the problems of returnee migrant workers are in active consideration.
The Performance Report 2012, submitted herewith, reflects the new dimensions of the Ministry.
x
1. MINISTRY OF FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION AND WELFARE
1.1 Establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare
On realization of the important contributions made by our migrant workers to the country‟s National Economy, a separate Ministry for
Foreign Employment was established on 20-02-2007 by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse. This was later amalgamated with the
Ministry of External Affairs on 22-04-2010. To promote the welfare of migrant workers the Ministry was re-established on 22-11-2010
as The Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare by a Special Gazette Notification No. 1681-3. This new Ministry has
an added function to promote the welfare of Sri Lankans living abroad, commonly referred to as the Diaspora.
1.2 Vision of the Ministry
To be the leading Policy Maker and Implementer in the creation of gainful foreign employment opportunities, whilst protecting the
rights of migrant workers and ensuring their welfare
1.3 Mission of the Ministry
To convert the entire labour migration sector into a demand driven process and make it highly competitive by introducing required
structural changes together with necessary promotional and welfare activities to meet the international market challenges realizing the
importance of its contribution to the national economy.
1.4 Key Functions of the Ministry
1) Formulation of policies, programmes and projects related to the subject of foreign employment and all matters that come under
the purview of Departments and Institutions listed, on the basis of Mahinda Chintana – Vision for the Future and any other overall National Policies that may be adopted by the Government.
2) Provision of all public services coming under the purview of the Ministry, in an efficient and people-friendly manner.
3) Promoting the welfare of expatriate Sri Lankans and welfare of migrant workers.
4) Regulation and supervision of the Foreign Employment Agencies.
5) Career guidance of foreign employment.
6) All other subjects that come under the purview of the Organizations listed.
7) Supervision of the Organizations listed.
1
1.5 Statutory Organizations under the Ministry
Following are the institutions accredited to function under the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare:
(A) Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)
(B) Sri Lanka foreign Employment Agency (Pvt.) Ltd. (SLFEA)
1.6 Legislative Enactments
The legislative arrangements with regard to administration of labour migration was earlier governed by the provisions of Fee Charging
Employment Act No. 37 of 1956, which empowered the Commissioner of Labour to supervise both the Agencies involved in
recruitment of workers for local and foreign employment purposes. In 1980, a new Act, the Foreign Employment Agency Act No. 32
was enacted by Parliament to govern the escalating needs of the industry in the face of steady and increased flow of Sri Lankans for
overseas employment. A separate dedicated legal entity called the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment was established under the
purview of the Ministry of Labour by Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Act No. 21 of 1985 with a wide range of long term
objectives and responsibilities to develop and manage the entire industry backed by a broad legal framework. Presently, this is the
governing law for this sector.
1.7 Organizations under the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion & Welfare.
Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion & Welfare
Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)
(Established by Act No. 21 of 1985)
Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency (SLFEA)
(Established under Companies Act)
2
1.7.1 Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)
Vision
To be the Global Leader in providing quality and skilled manpower for the overseas market
Mission
To achieve organizational excellence whilst promoting and developing foreign employment markets; regulating and facilitating the
industry; protecting the migrant workers; and ensuring contribution to the national economy.
Objectives of Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment
•
•
•
•
Regulate foreign employment industry and activities of foreign employment agencies
Provide protection and welfare for Migrant workers and their family members
Promote and develop foreign employment opportunities /market for Sri Lankans
Conduct specialized training and Orientation programmes to facilitate foreign Employment
1. 7.2. Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency (Pvt) Ltd.
Vision
To be the best provider of competent, talented & quality employees for foreign job markets
Mission
Explore foreign job markets, train & identify Sri Lankan youth to fit in to such markets & recruit them for jobs under well secured
conditions, in co-ordination with respective ministries, ministerial institutions & private institutions that relate to the activities &
primary objectives of the Agency.
Objectives of Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency (Pvt) Ltd.
•
•
•
•
Expand the foreign employment opportunities for Sri Lankans
Act as a market stabilizer among foreign employment agents
Set example on best practice to other foreign employment agents
Enter into MOU‟s with foreign parties to promote and formalize recruitments by the Agency.
3
1. 8. Our Commitments
•
•
•
Increase earnings from Foreign Employment up to US $ 10.0 bn by 2015
Achieve an annual growth rate of 15% over the next four years.
Create unemployment for at least 75,000 new migrant workers per year.
1.9. National Labour Migration Policy
National Policy was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on April 2009 (First time in South Asia)
4
1.9.1 Salient features of the National Labor Migration Policy
1.
Promoting Opportunities for men women to engaged in migration for decent and productive employment in condition of
freedom, equity, security and human dignity.
2.
Promote and Support the migration of skilled men and women to secure work environments where the protection of fundamental
right at work.
3.
Endorse the principals of good governess in setting in place policies, laws, regulation and administrative procedures.
4.
Recognize the significant contribution of SL migrant workers to the National Economy through foreign Exchange Remittances.
5.
Adopt measures to prevent all forms of irregular migration, Trafficking of persons and smuggling of human beings.
6. The policies and programs will move towards the empowerment of migration workers in exercising the right to inform decision
making and full enjoyment of all Rights, privileges and benefits of migrations.
7.
Recognize that a key element in protection to all migrant workers in the possession of skills.
8.
Recognize the contribution of Recruitment Agencies (state and private) as the key stake holder in the process.
9.
Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in Labour receiving countries are equipped with a mandate and facilitate to provide protection
and welfare.
10. The role of bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOU‟s) between Sri Lanka and host countries.
11.
Recognizes the needs to set – up an institute for study of migration under the Ministry.
5
1.10 Indicators on Foreign Employment Sector Performance Workers’ Remittances
Table - 01.
Table - 02
Workers’ Remittances
2000-2011 (Rs. Billions)
Year
Remittances
2000
87.70
2001
103.18
2002
123.18
2003
136.48
2004
158.29
2005
197.97
2006
224.68
2007
276.81
2008
316.12
2009
382.80
2010
465.37
2011
569.09
Workers’ Remittances
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Total
Jan- August 2011/2012
2011
(US $ Mn)
377.00
393.20
503.40
414.84
414.48
403.54
415.40
458.50
3380.36
2012
(US $ Mn)
473.00
470.40
549.80
475.20
507.10
452.30
475.00
490.10
Growth
3892.90
15.16%
25.46%
19.63%
9.21%
14.55%
22.34%
12.07%
14.40%
6.90%
Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
6
Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance (Contd.)
Chart - 01.
Workers’ Remittances (Rs.Billions) 2000-2011
600
569.09
465.37
Remittances (Rs.Billions)
500
382.8
400
276.81
300
200
100
87.7
103.18
123.18
136.48
2002
2003
158.29
197.97
316.12
224.68
0
2000
2001
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Year
Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance - Workers’ Remittances
January - June 2011/2012(US $ Mn.)
Chart - 02.
600.00
500.00
400.00
300.00
2011
(US $ Mn)
200.00
100.00
2012
(US $ Mn)
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
0.00
Source –Central Bank Sri Lanka
7
Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance
Chart - 03.
600.00
500.00
400.00
300.00
2011
(US $ Mn)
200.00
100.00
0.00
2012
(US $ Mn)
Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance (Worlers’ Remittances- Region wise (US $ Mn) 2006-2011
Table - 03
Origin
Middle East
European Union & Eastern Europe
Far East Asia
Europe Other
North America
South East Asia
Australia & New Zealand
South Asia
South & Central America
Other
Total
2006
1,234
422
110
132
119
52
28
22
22
22
2,163
2007
1,451
510
135
125
105
75
33
25
20
23
2,502
2008
1,745
537
175
117
114
90
55
32
23
29
2,917
2009
1,995
615
203
137
127
100
57
40
28
30
3,332
2010
2,474
736
247
165
140
144
82
58
35
35
4,116
2011
3,030
885
401
232
154
206
103
51
41
41
5,144
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
8
Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance (Workers’ Remittances- Region wise (US $ Mn) 2006-2011
Chart - 04.
Workers' Remittances- Regionwise (US $ Mn.)
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Indicators of Foreign Employment Sector Performance
Departures for Foreign
Employment
Chart - 05.
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
Year
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
9
Skilled levels Departures for Foreign Employment - 1994 - 2012 (January to September)
Table - 04
Profession
Year
al Level
Middle
Level
Clerical
& Related
Semi
Skilled
Skilled
Unskilled
Housemaids
Total
1994
262
833
1,559
12,586
-
8,824
36,104
60,168
1995
878
2,495
4,594
27,165
-
23,479
113,860
172,471
1996
599
1,944
3,371
24,254
-
21,929
110,479
162,576
1997
573
1,635
3,579
24,502
-
20,565
99,429
150,283
1998
695
2,823
4,896
31,749
-
34,304
85,349
159,816
1999
1,253
3,161
6,210
37,277
-
43,771
88,063
179,735
2000
935
3,781
5,825
36,475
-
35,759
99,413
182,188
2001
1,218
3,776
6,015
36,763
-
33,385
102,850
184,007
2002
1,481
4,555
7,239
45,478
-
36,485
108,535
203,773
2003
1,541
7,507
6,779
47,744
-
44,264
102,011
209,846
2004
1,827
6,561
6,679
45,926
-
43,204
110,512
214,709
2005
1,421
8,042
7,742
46,688
-
41,904
125,493
231,290
2006
1,713
6,638
7,911
45,063
-
40,912
99,711
201,948
2007
1,653
3,962
4,551
50,263
3,499
52,176
102,355
218,459
2008
2,835
8,667
6,791
59,718
5,326
59,239
107,923
250,499
2009
2,832
6,388
6,719
61,321
6,015
50,173
113,678
247,126
2010
2,974
6,720
7,795
71,114
4,857
59,898
113,087
266,445
2011
3,835
6,106
9,888
67,703
4,169
63,443
107,816
262,960
6,398
10,327
44,332
42,193
86,220
194,343
2012 (Jan-Sep)
2,641
2,232
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
10
Chart - 06.
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
No.of Persons
Total Departures For Foreign Employment by Skills Levels 1994-2011
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
Professional Level
Middle Level
Clerical & Related
Skilled
Semi Skilled
Unskilled
Housemaid
Total
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Skilled levels and other Grades Departures for Foreign Employment (January to September of 2010, 2011 & 2012)
Table - 05
Professional
Skilled
Semi
Skilled
2010 (Jan-SEP)
2,437
60,608
3,988
5,011
6,642
49,660
99,273
2011 (Jan-SEP)
2012 (Jan-SEP)
2761
2641
51748
44332
3343
2232
4423
6398
7053
10327
49673
42193
79316
86220
Period
MidLevel
Clerical Unskilled
Housemaid
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
11
Comparison of Migrant Workers in - 2011
Chart - 07
7.30%
Male
House maid
41%
51.70%
Female Other
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Comparison of Male Migrant Workers, Housemaids & Other Female Migrant Workers for the period: 2006 – 2012 (January to September)
Table - 06
Females
Males
Housemaid
Other
Total
Year
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
Grand Total
2006
90,170
44.65
99,711
49.37
12,067
5.98
111,778
55.35
201,948
2007
103,476
47.37
102,355
46.85
12,628
5.78
114,983
52.63
218,459
2008
128,232
51.19
107,923
43.08
14,344
5.73
122,267
48.81
250,499
2009
119,381
48.31
113,678
46
14,067
5.69
127,745
51.69
247,126
2010*
2011
2012(Jan – Sep.)
135,502
135,870
50.86
52
49
113,087
107,816
42.44
41.3
44.36
17,856
19274
6.7
7.3
6.6
130,943
127,090
99056
49.14
48.7
49.94
266,445
260,960
194,343
95287
86220
12836
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
12
Comparison of Male & Female Departures: 2007- 2011
Chart - 08.
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Employment Migration by Sex 1986 – 2011
Chart - 09.
No.of Departure
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
Year
Male
Female
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
13
Increased opportunities for skilled Workers
Chart - 10.
300000
Professional Level
250000
200000
Middle Level
150000
Clerical & Related
100000
Skilled
50000
Semi Skilled
0
Unskilled
Housemaids
Total
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Chart - 11
No of Workers
Male Departures for Foreign Employment by Manpower Level
2007- 2011
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
Skilled
Semi Skilled
Middle Level
Clerical
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Unskilled
Year & Manpower Level
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
14
1.11 Achievements under Mahinda Chinthana Programme
Target 1: Securing 100,000 jobs in South Korea, Malaysia, Italy, Japan and Libya
Achievement:
Table - 07
Year
Country
South Korea
Malaysia
Italy
Japan
Libiya
Total
2006
3,653
3,584
7
0
27
7,271
2007
2,680
1,293
25
9
54
4,061
2008
6,995
1,293
17
79
235
8,619
2009
3,993
1,050
22
184
161
5,410
2010
5,257
3,690
15
123
462
9,547
2012
2011
(Jan - Jun)
7,411
3,767
2,464
1,020
15
03
99
42
28
10
10,017
4,842
Total
33,756
14,394
104
536
977
49,767
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment
EPS Agreement with South Korea
Table - 08
Achievement:
Year
2010
2011
2012 (Jan – June)
Quota
7,300
7,500
9,300
Recruited
5,257
5,346
2,909
Target 2: Entering into new Agreements
Achievements
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Italy signed in
October 2011
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Kuwait signed in May 2012
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Seychelles signed in August 2012
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for setting up of Vocational Training Centres and providing jobs in Malaysia
(under Negotiation)
• An Agreement with the Government of Israel for Recruitment (under negotiation)
Jobs likely to receive - 2500 Construction Workers
- 500 Care-Givers.
15
Overseas Employment Promotion Programmes (Road shows held in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain - January to June 2012)
Kuwait Road Show
Foreign Employment Promotional Programme - Jordan
Signing MoU with Seychelles.
Foreign Employment Promotional Programme - Oman
16
Target 3: More skilled jobs in Nursing, Shipping, IT, Accounting, Banking and Engineering
Achievement:
Table - 09
Job Category
Accounting
Banking
Engineering
IT
Nursing
Shipping
Total
2006
2007
195
61
498
4
73
4
835
162
116
645
7
101
16
1,047
2008
238
241
1111
24
88
18
1,720
2009
2010
122
188
809
14
106
17
1,256
182
213
971
27
130
17
1,540
2011
2012
( Jan - Jun)
1391
173
1327
41
205
27
3,164
654
59
576
21
76
17
1,403
Total
2,944
992
5,937
138
779
116
10,906
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Target 4: Opening of new avenues for skilled labor fields such as nursing, shipping, Computer Science, etc.
•
Huge demand for Nursing (degree); Quantity Surveyor (degree), Engineers, Doctors, Hotel sector, Construction
sector, X-ray Welding, Petroleum Industry, Building maintenance, etc.
•
Lack of qualified persons to meet the demand
•
Need to re-position higher and vocational education to meet the Overseas demands.
Target 5: Special Housing Loan Scheme with 30% contribution by the Government
Achievement:
–
2011(January-June):
31 Persons‟ loan interests subsidized by SLBFE
17
Target 6: Bank Loan Scheme to cover initial expenses of Migrant workers
Achievement – 2011 (January – June):
Loan scheme implemented through Bank of Ceylon and People‟s Bank to cover the Pre-departure costs of 79 Persons
Difficulty for migrant workers in providing security
-- SLBFE Act to be amended to provide security for migrant‟s loans
Target 7: Protection of female migrant workers
Achievements:
–
–
–
–
–
Bilateral Agreements with Qatar signed in 2008; with Kuwait signed in 2012 and with Oman to be signed shortly
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saudi Arabian Government is under negotiation.
Insurance scheme for migrant workers (paid by Employer) to be implemented in Jordan
Social Protection Scheme promoted by Saudi Arabian Government is under negotiation
Social Protection Scheme for UAE, Kuwait & Qatar on a Captive
Insurance basis is under negotiation
Target 8: Providing the required Training for overseas Job Seekers
•
Training programmes conducted for foreign jobseekers.
For Middle East (15 days)
- 2012 (January-June): [T- 460/11500, A- 805 Prg/15,749]
- 2011 (January-June): [T- 360/9000, A- 564 Prg/ 8552 Persons]
Achievements January-June 2011/2012 - Training programmes:
Care giver training
o Israel (28/15 days)
-2012:[T- 30/750, A- 39 Prg/ 683 Persons]
-2011:[T- 53/1325, A- 19 Prg/ 392 Persons]
18
o Cyprus (30 days)
-2012:[T- 32/800, A- 43 Prg/ 822 Persons]
-2011:[T- 45/1125, A- 29 Prg/ 366 Persons]
o Singapore
-2012: [T- 06/120, P- 07 Prg/ 117 Persons]
-2011: [T- 12/240, P- 04 Prg/ 46 Persons]
o 07 days training for re-migrating female domestic sector workers
-2012:[T- 60/1500, A- 95 Prg/ 1881 Persons]
-2011:[T- 120/3000, A- 55 Prg/ 878 Persons]
o 05 days training for male & female non-domestic sector workers
- [T- 800/20,000, A- 790 Prg/ 21,072
o
18 days Literacy training for migrant workers
- (S/T/E*)- [T- 60/1500,P- 134 Prg/ 3155 Persons]
19
Target 9: The Duty free Allowance for migrant returnees to be increased to US$ 5,000 and allowing 6
months
to utilize
Target 10: An English medium nursing college to be established
Target 11: New Provident Fund to be introduced.
Special Achievements
•
An SLBFE – owned Air- ticketing Counter was established within the SLBFE Head office on 26th April 2011 facilitating for
Migrant Workers to purchase airline tickets at concessionary rates. Full IATA licence is expected within one month.
Performance (January 2012 -June 2012):
No. of Tickets issued
Amount collected
Cost of Air Tickets
Gross Profit
•
•
3,407
Rs. 160 Mn
Rs. 157 Mn
Rs. 3 Mn
Recruitment for Israel – 300 agricultural workers
A 24 hrs – 265 days Information Operating Call Centre (e-ombudsman) was opened on 23rd August 2011 at SLBFE Head Office
Table - 10
2011
(August – December)
Description of Service
No. of Inquiries (sent & received) via e-mail
No. of Inquiries via Skype
No. of Faxes delivered to various Divisions
No. of Inquiries/complaints received over the phone
No. of Faxes delivered to various parties
Total
327
81
158
1,323
1,889
2012
(January – June)
1,421
2,253
375
2,253
375
6,677
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
20
1.12 Way forward
 Conversion of SLBFE into Sri Lanka Employment Migration Authority (SLEMA) so as to regulate and develop
outward migration for employment recognising the present day requirement of the industry and also to regulate
inward migration for employment.
 Establish Sri Lanka Employment Migration Foundation (SLEMF) similar to such Foundations in Pakistan and
Philippines.
 Establish Foreign Employment Promotion Fund with part of the Embarkation Tax charge on Sri Lankan migrants.
 Introduce a Special Passport with bio-metric data for migrant workers and separate Green Channel at the Airport as
practiced in the Philippines.
 Introduce a special Debit Card with personal details to migrant workers that can be used internationally.
 Introduce e-bio-metric data in SLBFE database with accessibility at all our Embassies.
 Make the Sri Lanka Embassies/Consulates in the labour receiving countries to actively promote employment
opportunities for Sri Lankans.
 Establish a dedicated housing and development bank for migrant workers as a Joint Venture with State Banks, Postal
Department and SLBFE (Bangladesh has already established).
 Establish a Migrant Workers Resource Centre in each District Capital.
 Establish an International Migration Research Institute to research, analyze and forecast the trends in migration
perspectives for Sri Lankans.
 Establish Foreign Employment Data Bank linked with the Ministry of Youth Affaires and Skill Development.
21
 Obtain NVQ accreditation for Domestic Housekeeping Course to be conducted at the OSLSC and make it mandatory
in 3 years to all.
The minimum salary to be increased by US$ 50.
 Launch Provident Fund Scheme for migrant workers
 Labour Welfare Sections of the Embassies to be strengthened.
 Create a cadre for Labour Welfare Officers in the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare and
necessary budgetary allocation to be made under the Ministry.
 Providing necessary assistance and granting of loans to migrant returnees for self employment and start of SMI
projects.
 Conduct Programmes to monitor and provide protection to the children of migrants.
 Introduce an Award System for the Employment Agents for quality improvements.
 Establish Higher and Vocational Education Institutes in collaboration with such Foreign Institutes to develop the skills
that are in high demand in foreign countries.
 Insist on NVQ accreditation to all other skilled and semi-skilled workers to enhance their quality image. To avoid any
delays to authorize other State Institutions such as ICTAD, SLBFE, correct name of health school to certify NVQ by
RPL in addition to NAITA.
 Revamp Nursing Education conducted at the 19 Nursing Schools by converting the 3 year Diploma course to 3 year
B.Sc (Nursing) Degree in keeping with the international practice in comparison with developed countries. Also
introduce a 4 year B.Sc (Nursing) Special Degree for specialised nursing work.
 Re-organize the present Vocational Training to utilize the maximum possible capacities rather than for internal
demand, in field where there is overseas demand.
22
 Establish Elderly Care Homes for the parents of Sri Lankan Migrant Workers.
 Use IT facilities to build linkages (Integration)
 Establish a data link between the Department of Immigration and Emigration with SLBFE
 Re-position the SLBFE as a more efficient organisation with ISO 9001/2008 accreditation
 Establishment of Embassies/Consulates in Bahrain and Dammam.
 Contact 15,000 houses island wide for female domestic workers in partnership with Samurdi Authority.
 Appointment of Hon Consulates to labour receiving countries to specially promote foreign employment.
 Build-up Disaster Relief Fund for Migrant Workers to meet any emergency situation in the event of evacuation of
Migrant Workers
 Provide Tax concessions for Foreign Employment Sector (Duty Rebates, VAT Refund etc.)
 Work towards building a consensus among the labour sending countries using “Colombo Process” and “Abu Dhabi
Dialogue” and GFMD.
 Improve the facilities at the Welfare Centers linked to the Embassies and provide additional skills training (IT,
English, etc.. and sociological programmes.
 Conduct Progress Review meetings annually with the Sri Lanka Ambassadors and Labour Welfare Officers in Labour
receiving countries.
 Enter into agreements with all labour receiving & other perspective countries.
 Ratify ILO Domestic Worker Convention
 Maintain a black list of all bad employers to prevent future recruitments of our Workers.
23
Graduates in Nursing and Medicine in Philippines
Table - 11
Academic Year
Programme / No. of Graduates
Nursing
2006 – 2007
2007 – 2008
2008 – 2009*
2009 – 2010**
2010 – 2011**
Medicine
71,002
93,978
103,361
89,447
95,595
1,853
1,919
2,056
2,146
2,248
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
** Comparing the population of Philippine‟s, we should have 20,000 Graduates for Nursing and 500 Graduates for Medicine, per year
1.13 Achievements - 2012
 Draft to convert SLBFE in to Sri Lankan Employment Migration Authority (SLEMA) was finalised to be submitted to
Cabinet of
Ministers and Chief Legal Draftsman.
 Introduced award system for the employment agents to recognise better performance.
 Introduced 24 hours call centre at SLBFE for the benefit of migrant workers.
 Revised the housemaid training to NVQ Level 3 as domestic housekeeping assistant.
 Signed MOU with Open University of Sri Lanka to train migrant workers as care givers.
24
 Signed MOU under the International Social Security Programme (ISSP) to assure protection and safety of Sri Lankan
migrant female workers working in KSA.
 Labour welfare unit of the embassies strengthened.
 Issuance of co-branded debit cards for migrant workers that can be used internationally.
 Signed MOU with Dialog PLC to provide SIM card for migrant
Workers to be used in Saudi Arabia and UNITED Arab Emirates (UAE)
 Signed MOU with Kuwait, Seychelles and reached agreement with Iraq and Oman.
 Formation of „RATAVIRUWO‟ organization
 Introduced the Web based recruitment system to Qatar.
 Organized Road Shows programme in labour receiving countries to explore new markets in the field of foreign
employment.
 Signed MOU with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skill Development to corporate and provide suitable training for
Sri Lankan youths in selected trade to gain employment in foreign countries.
 Tender document and design finalised for the Regional office and Migrant Resource Centre at Ratnapura. Tenders to
be called shortly.
 Design in finalised for the construction of Migrant Resource Centre and Pilgrim Rest at Kataragama.
 Completing 2 partly done buildings and infrastructure at Matugama Training Centre to be used for NVQ Level 3
training of domestic housekeeping assistants is nearing completion.

Launched 3 pilot projects for reintegration of returnee female domestic workers in to SMI sector in Kurunegala,
Ampara and Badulla districts.
25
1.14 Financial Performance - 2012
Financial Performance 2012
Category of Expense
Recurrent Expenditure
1. Personnel Emoluments
2. Travelling
3. Supplies
4. Maintenance
5. Services
Total Recurrent Expenditure (A)
Capital Expenditure
1. Building and Structures
2. Vehicles
3. Furniture and Office Equipments
4. Plants and Machinery
5. Capacity Building
6. Capital Funds transfer to SLBFE
7. Foreign Employment promotional Road Show
8. Strengthening Island-wide Administrative
Network for Development of Foreign
Employment Industry
9. Promotional Materials
Budget 2012
(Rs. ,000)
Expenditure
30.09.2012 (Rs.
,000)
% Utilized
(Rs. ,000)
Budget 2013
(Rs. ,000)
28,200
9,700
11,325
5,000
28,307
82,532
20,275
4,071
6,829
3,152
16,815
51,142
72
42
60
63
59
62
32.300
11,650
13,375
5,450
36,200
98,975
10,000
3,100
5,000
1,500
400
222,100
20,000
3,354
44
738
19
199
34
1
15
1
50
2,386
12
1,500
3,650
5,500
2,200
500
193,500
7,000
10,000
10,000
6,000
5,000
Total Capital Expenditure (B)
282,100
6,740
2
224,850
Total Expenditure (A + B)
364,632
57,882
16
323,825
26
2. SRI LANKA BUREAU OF FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT (SLBFE)
2.1 Planning, Research and Information Technology (IT) Division
2.1.1. Planning Division:

Obtaining of ISO 9001:2008 Certification for SLBFE
Keeping in line with the Hon. Minister‟s policy directive action was initiated to obtain ISO certification for SLBFE.
Internal quality auditing and SLSI‟s adequacy auditing are now being carried out with the view to obtain ISO 9001:2008
certification by January 2013.

Preparation of Annual Action Plan – 2013
Based on the budgetary guidelines and in consultation with the Divisional Heads of SLBFE, the Annual Action plan for 2013 is
being compiled to obtain necessary approvals for implementation in 2013.

Updating the Corporate Plan for the Period 2013 to 2017
Meanwhile, action has already been taken to update the Corporate plan for the period from 2013-2017 complying with the Policy
Guidelines laid down in Mahinda Chinthanaya way forward.
2.1.2 Research Division


Establishing Migration Research Network
SLBFE has sent out its profile to all Research Institutes, in order to establish Migration Research Network. Reports from the
Research Institutes of Bangladesh, Philippines, India, Nepal and Pakistan have been obtained for comparative analysis and
follow up actions.
Conducting Survey on Children Who Received Scholarships from SLBFE
With the view to find out the performance of students who have been awarded scholarships, this survey has been undertaken to
be completed by 31.12.2012.
27

Outdoor Research
 Research on loan schemes
In similar line, an outdoor research being carried out on the loan schemes as well.
 Research on Sexually Abused Children of Migrant Workers
Research on sexually abused children of migrant workers beings proceeded with and expected to be compiled by end of
December 2012. For this purpose, assistance from the National Child Protection Authority; Child and Women‟s Bureau (Police
Department) and Heads of schools of selected Districts have been sought.
Research on the children of Migrant Workers engaged in Vocational Training also being conducted with facilitation of the
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development.
 Research on Literacy Training
In addition to the above the following research projects are also being carried out and expected to be completed by 2012.

Research on Blacklisting of Migrant Workers

Coordinating Operational Research and Organizing Internal Research Panel

Mobilizing a series of Lectures on Migration Management for the staff of SLBFE

Purchasing of New Books and Magazines for library

Implementation of e-Library System

Preparation of Statistical Handbook
Action has been taken to compile and publish a Statistical handbook of SLBFE, which will be useful for the Migration Industry
Stakeholders.
28
2.1.3 Information Technology (IT) Division:

Introduction of Web-based Recruitment System
On a directive of the Hon. Minister, SLBFE implements a web based recruitment system to cover the countries of Qatar,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The staff involved in the web based recruitment system has been given
specialized training and the process is monitored continuously. This system will be extended to all labour receiving
countries in the GCC during this year.

Issuance of Co-branded Debit Cards for Migrant Workers
To facilitate e-cash transaction among Migrant Workers, a programme being implemented with participation of People‟s
Bank, Bank of Ceylon, National Savings Bank and Seylan Bank for issuance of co-branded Debit Cards for the Migrant
Workers. This would trickle-down the economic effect at grass root level while promoting inward remittances and
economic growth.

Introducing the Capture of Finger Prints of Migrant Workers
To minimize impersonation and fraudulent activities among the Migrant Workers, capturing of finger prints of the
Migrant Workers is to be introduced for implementation before the end of the year.

Establishing Disaster Recovery Site
To ensure the safety of data and other information a programme is to be introduced to establish Disaster Recovery Site.

Establishing Document Management System
An IT based Document Management System also to be implemented.
29
2.2 Marketing, Recruitment and Publicity Division
In order to make SLBFE a competitive organization in the Global Migration Industry, a Marketing Division has been established
in 2012 on
the directive of the Hon. Minister. The Marketing Division has also been re-aligned with recruitment and publicity to
promote Sri Lanka as a
Global Supplier of quality Labour and Manpower.
A. Achievements/outputs for the period January – August 2012
Table - 12
Activity
1. Product
Development
2. Promotional
activities
Sub-Activity
1.1 Conduct of awareness programmes/mobile services for general
public
 School leavers
 Job seekers
 Vocational training college students
 District/Divisional Secretariats
1.2 Encourage Skills Training Institutes to increase the supply of skill
grades demanded by labour receiving countries
 Conduct workshops for heads of the relevant Organizations
1.3 Facilitate prospective employers/agents to find foreign jobseekers
through SLBFE Job Bank
 No. of jobseekers registered in Job Bank/ No. of employers or
agents found jobseekers through SLBFE Job Bank
2.1 Implement local promotional activities
2.1.1 Develop promotional materials
 Video Presentations
 Street Dramas
 Booklets/Brochures/Leaflets
 E-news letters for foreign employers
 Other materials (Mugs, Files, Caps and key Tags) for national
mobile services
2.1.2
Conduct International Migrants Day Ceremony
Targets
Achievements
80
1
9
22
14
1
1
670
1,092
3
1
5
8
1
2,500
4
16
1
(3,500 Printed Mugs)
30
3. Market
Development
2.2 Implement overseas promotional activities
2.2.1 Organize job promotional seminars in selected labour receiving
countries
3.1 Implement local market development activities
3.1.1 Negotiate through S.L. Embassies with foreign Employment
Agents to increase the salaries of the migrant workers on the
basis of qualification and experience
3.1.2 Deyata Kirula Exhibition
1
4
1
-
1
1
B. Achievements/outputs proposed to be completed by December 2012
Table - 13
Activity
1. Product
Development
2. Promotional
Activities
Sub-Activity
1.1 Conduct of awareness programmes/mobile services for general
public
 School leavers
 Job seekers
 Vocational training college students
 District/Divisional Secretariats
1.2 Encourage skill training Institutes to increase the supply of skill
grades demanded by labour receiving countries
 Conduct workshops for heads of the relevant Organizations
1.3 Facilitate prospective employers/agents to find foreign jobseekers
through SLBFE Job Bank
 No. of jobseekers registered in Job Bank/ No. of employers or
agents found jobseekers through SLBFE Job Bank
2.1 Implement local promotional activities
2.1.1 Develop promotional materials
 Video Presentations
Targets
Achievements
30
1
3
2
1
-
330
49
-
31




3. Market
Development
Street Dramas
Booklets/Brochures/Leaflets
E-news letters for foreign employers
Other materials (Mugs, Files, Caps and key Tags) for national
mobile services
2.1.2
Conduct International Migrants Day Ceremony
2.2 Implement overseas promotional activities
2.2.1 Organize job promotional seminars in selected labour receiving
countries
3.1 Implement local market development activities
3.1.1 Negotiate through S.L. Embassies with foreign Employment
Agents to increase the salaries of the migrant workers on the
basis of qualification and experience
3.1.2 Deyata Kirula Exhibition
1
1
4
-
1
-
1
-
1
1
1
Employment opportunities and Welfare of Sri Lankan employees in South Korea
Korean Employment License System
1. Registration under Language Test
Table - 14
Year
Number for which
applications were
issued
Number
passed
Number
registered under
employment
license system
Number received
employment
contracts
Number gone
abroad
2010
29,698
5,302
5,120
4,350
3,881
2011
50,733
11,213
10,956
5,674
5,346
2012
34,261
4,137
3,623
32

Under this 29,698 admissions were issued in the year 2010 to sit the Korean Language Test and the number passed was 5,302.
Of them 5,120 got themselves registered under the Korean employment license system and employment contracts were issued in
respect of 4,350. Of them, the number left for jobs 3,881.

50,733 admissions were issued in the year 2011 to sit the Korean Language Test and the number passed was 11,213 including
those of the Fisheries and Production sector. Of them 10,956 got themselves registered under the Korean employment license
system and employment contracts were issued in respect of 5,674. Of them, the number left for jobs 5,346.

In the year, 2012, 34,261 admissions were issued for the Language Test. By 09.10.2012, 4.137 employment contracts had been
received and 3.623 left for employment.

For the 34,261 applicants for whom admissions were issued this year, the Language Test will be held on 13.10.2012 and
14.10.2012 at nine centers in Colombo (Hindu Boys, Isipathana, Vishaka, Thurstan, Mahanama, D.S, Nalanda, GothamiBalika
and Asoka Colleges)
2. Re-entry for employment
This is an opportunity granted exclusively for those who have completed a service of 4 years and 10 months in the same work place
under the Korean employment license system. It is implemented for those who left for Sri Lanka from 02.07.2012 onwards. The
selection for this is done directly by the Korean employers. For this, sitting the language test or pre-migration training is not necessary.
The first batch under this system left on 10.10.2012. Up to now:
-
Number registered
Number reported to the Bureau
Number received Visa
Number left for employment
-180
-137
-83
-05
33
3. National Pension Benefits

This program is implemented as per the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Korean National Pension Service
and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment for those from whom 4.5% of their salary was deducted while being employed
in Korea and returned to Sri Lanka having completed their period of service.

The relevant payments will be made following the submission of their applications to the Korean National Pension Service.
Report on the South Korean Job Recruitments as at 07-09-2012
Agreements made in 2012
No. of Agreements received
No. of Agreements signed
No. of Agreements rejected
Total
Balance
3,971
3,847
110
3,957
14
34
Web Registration
Table - 15
2010 EPS TOPIK
No. of job seekers passed
Registered in the Web
5,302
5,120
Balance
2010 EPS TOPIK agreements received
Balance of 2010 TOPIK
182
4,806
314
2011 EPS TOPIK:
No. of Job seekers passed
Registered in the Web
11,213
10,952
Balance
2011 EPS TOPIK agreements received
Balance of 2010 TOPIK
261
2,810
8,142
2.3 Training Division
SLBFE is getting ready to face the competition from other regional manpower suppliers. As a strategy to supply quality and
trained Manpower, the Training Division has been strengthened in 2012 and also the relevant vocational training Institutes in
the country has been identified to be partners in Training and producing quality Manpower.
2.3.1 Achievements/outputs for January to August-2012
The main activity of the Training Division is to train the prospective migrant workers. Trainings are being conducted at
25 Training Centres island wide.
35
Following are the training programmes conducted by the SLBFE.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
Housekeeping training programme for Middle Eastern countries.
Housekeeping training programme for Singapore.
Housekeeping training programme for Cyprus.
Caregiver training programme for Israel.
Seven (07) days training programme for re-migration female domestic workers.
Conduct 18 days basic literacy programme for migrant workers.
Five (05) days orientation programme for non domestic workers.
36
2.3.2
Housekeeping Training Programme for Middle Eastern Countries
Chart - 12
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
2011
1500
2012
1000
500
0
January February March
April
May
June
July
August
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Planned to conduct Classes
Planned to Train
Actual Nos. of classes
Number Trained
- 613
- 15,333
- 948
- 19,487
37
2.3.3 Housekeeping Training Programme for Singapore
Chart - 13
40
35
30
25
20
2011
15
2012
10
5
0
January February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Planned to conduct
Planned to train
- 8 classes
>
No. of classes held - 11 classes
- 160 persons
>
Number trained
- 178 persons
38
2.3.4 Housekeeping training programme for Cyprus
Chart - 14
300
250
200
150
2011
2012
100
50
0
January February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Planned to conduct
- 42 classes
Planned to train
- 1,066 persons
>
>
No. of Classes held – 85 classes
Number trained
- 1,421 persons
39
2.3.5 Caregiver Training Programme for Israel
Chart - 15
180
160
140
120
100
2011
80
2012
60
40
20
0
January February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Planned to conduct
- 40 classes
>
No. of Classes held
- 47 classes
Planned to train
- 1,000 persons
>
Number trained
- 997 persons
40
2.3.6 Seven (07) Days Training Programme for Migration Female Domestic Workers
Chart - 16
400
350
300
250
200
2011
150
2012
100
50
0
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Planned to conduct - 80 classes
> No. of classes held
– 92 classes
Planned to train
> Number trained
- 2,116 workers
- 2,000 workers
41
2.3.7 Conduct of 18 days literacy programme for migrant workers
Chart - 17
800
700
600
500
400
2011
300
2012
200
100
0
January February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Planned to conduct
- 80 classes
> No. of classes held
– 147 classes
Planned to train
- 2,000 workers
>
- 3,469 workers
Number trained
42
2.3.8 Five (05) days Orientation programme for non-domestic workers
Chart - 18
5000
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2011
2000
2012
1500
1000
500
0
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Source: Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.
Planned to conduct - 1,066 classes
>
No. of classes held
– 1,058 classes
Planned to train
>
Number trained
- 28,880 workers
- 26,666 workers
43
2.4 Quality wise Achievements

Started a personnel grooming and personality development project with Dreamron (Pvt) Ltd. on an MoU signed on
15th June 2012 and Dreamron is conducting personal development workshops for housekeeping trainees.
Signing MOU with Dreamron (PVT) Ltd.

Training highly depends on the quality of instructors. Personnel development and personnel grooming workshops are
conducted for 147 Instructors with the help of Skills Development Foundations during June, July and August 2012.
44

Upgrading domestic housekeeping to NVQ Level III
The Instructors of SLBFE were examined by NAITA and 96 were passed and licensed to conduct NVQ Level III classes.
From these 96 Instructors, 38 instructors got Assessor level, passing UNIVOTEC Training Programme.
1. (a) 3500 youths to be trained on receiving job order from Italy.
(b) NVQ level III training to be started after Logistic and Administrative arrangements are finalised.
2.
(a) The NVQ level III training started on 15th September which is compulsory for Singapore, Cyprus training. At least
250 could
be trained before the end of this year.
(b) A Pre-departure Orientation (PDO) for housemaid was started to equip them with necessary skills for their job. It
started on
06th September. Special trainings were given to KSA bound first time leavers. The PDO needs more space and
other
infrastructural facilities.
(c) Caregivers training for west bound migrant workers will be started soon.
(d) Matugama and Tangalle Training Centres will become operationalized in the near future.
Following areas are also identified for training purposes,

Construction sector training to Singapore,

Caregivers training security training,

Nurses training and

Hospitality sector training in partnership with private training institutes.
2.5 Foreign Relation Division – I (Overseas Administration)
Foreign Relation is the key and pivotal Division of SLBFE in the management of migration industry.
The Statement of Intent of this Division is -
45
“Evaluation specific host country needs related to welfare and promotion of Sri Lankan Labour, organizing policies
in that direction and monitoring smooth Implementation of such policies”.
Scope of Foreign Relation Division- I
 Assisting in the preparation of policies with regard to migrant workers and the foreign employment industry, and
implementing such policies through Sri Lankan Missions overseas
 Preparation of technical reports
 Developing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)s/ Agreements with labour receiving countries in consultation
with the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare
 Arrangement of delegations,
 Receiving delegation
 Sending delegation
 Facilitate study tours
 Monitoring and controlling the overseas Workers‟ Welfare Fund (WWF)
 Repatriation of stranded Sri Lankans,
 Under the insurance schemes
 Under WWF
 Assisting Embassies to bring human remains to Sri Lanka
 Funeral awards under WWF
 Suspension and blacklisting of local agents and foreign agents
The Foreign Relations Division has been established with the objective of administering and coordinating the activities of
Labour Sections of Sri Lankan Missions in the labour receiving countries and reviewing of the performance.
The Main Functions of the Foreign Relation and Overseas Administration Division are 1. Formulation of overseas policies relating to Migrant Workers and implementation of such policies through
the Sri Lankan Missions.
2. Monitoring and controlling of the overseas Workers Welfare Fund (WWF)
Regular committee meetings of WWF were held during the period January to June 2012.
46
Table - 16
Year
Collection of Revenue
(Provisional) (Rs. Million)
2012 (Jan. to June)
2011
2010
3.
Expenditure
(Rs. Million)
307.20
504.70
521.12
Refundable Deposit
(Rs. Million)
227.08
405.90
350.48
38.34
-
Strengthening and capacity building of Labour Sections of Sri Lankan Mission Overseas
Table - 17
Approved Staff Cadre
35
109
144
Home Based
Local Based
Total
Existing Cadre
17
88
105
Twenty (25) officers were appointed in the Labour Sections of the Sri Lanka Missions overseas during the period.
Table - 18
Appointments
Local Based
Home Based
Jan. Feb.
1
6
-
Mar.
2
April
3
May
5
June
1
2
2
0
3
July August
1
2
0
1
Total
15
14
47
4.
Monitoring and Staffing of Labour Sections
Table - 19
Appointments and
Extensions
WWF Committee Meetings
5.
2011
33
Jan.
A-6
Feb.
A-1
Mar.
A-4
April
A-5
May
A-5
June
A-4
July
A-1
August
A-4
Total
A-30
04
E-3
0
E-4
1
E-3
0
E-1
0
E-4
1
E-5
0
E-3
1
E-2
1
E-25
04
Arrangements of delegations
Arranging of delegations to the existing Labour receiving countries and prospective Labour receiving countries to
enhance job opportunities and looking into the welfare of the Sri Lankan Migrant Workers.
Table - 20
No. of delegation
Sending
Receiving
Total
23
4
27
Total cost incurred
(Rs. Mn)
34.93
0.035
34.965
Table - 21
Sending Delegations
Cost (Rs.Mn.)
Receiving Delegations
Cost (Rs.Mn.)
2011
57
88
Jan.
5
6.16
1
0
Feb.
5
5.73
2
0
Mar.
2
5.42
1
0.035
April
4
2.99
0
0
2012
May
June
5
13.54
0
0
-
July
1
0.28
0
0
August
1
0.81
0
0
Total
23
34.93
4
0.035
48
Number of Business Promotion Road Show Programmes
Table - 22
2011
2012
Countries
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
April
May
June
July
August
Total
Qatar, Abu Dhabi,
-
-
-
Kuwait,
Oman
-
Bahrain
-
4
Dubai, KSA and
Jordan
Cyprus
6. Study Tours for SLBFE staff
No. of Study tours organized for employees
Total cost
No. of officials benefitted
2
Rs. 6. 26 Million
16
Table - 23
2011
No. of Tours
1
(Rs. 1.5 Mn)
Jan.
1
Rs.3.26
Mn
Feb.
-
Mar.
-
April
-
2012
May
June
1
Rs.3.00
Mn
July
-
August
-
Total
2
49
7. Repatriation of stranded Sri Lankans from overseas
Table - 24
No. of Repatriations
Under Insurance Scheme
Under WWF
Total:
Repatriations
Jan.
Feb.
Cost Incurred (Rs. Mn)
491
392
883
March
April
14.422
12.666
27.088
May
June
July
August
Total
Under insurance scheme
47
15
103
36
81
136
110
99
491
Cost (Rs. Million)
1.082
0.32
3.07
1.07
2.11
4.10
3.690
3.08
14.422
Under WWF
42
09
93
53
26
50
34
135
392
Cost (Rs. Million)
0
0.26
3.40
1.90
0.92
1.30
1.086
3.80
12.666
89
24
196
89
107
186
144
234
883
Total
1.082
0.58
6.47
2.97
3.03
5.40
4.776
6.88
27.088
8. Death Cases of Sri Lankan Migrant Workers
Special attention is paid in attending to the cases of deaths of Sri Lankan Migrant workers including assistance in the
dispatch of human remains to Sri Lanka; and also assisted in obtaining death Compensations, Salary arrears and other
dues, blood money etc. on behalf of the deceased Sri Lankans while employed abroad.
Preliminary funeral award of Rs. 10,000.00 was made to the Next of Kin (NOK ) for mortal remains brought to Sri
Lanka.
No of death cases assisted to bring the human remains to Sri Lanka
Total Cost incurred
14
Rs. 3.241million
Funeral awards granted under WWF
Total Amount
204
Rs. 1.50 million
50
Table - 25
Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July August Total
Embassies assistance to bring the dead human
remains to Sri Lanka (No. bodies)
1
1
1
5
0
2
3
1
14
Costs incurred (Rs. Million)
0 0.34
0.54 1.59
0
0.28
0.7
0.211
3.241
No. of death cases for which Funeral expenses
were granted under WWF
22
23
17
18
19
16
62
27
204
Amount (Rs. Million)
0 0.23
0.17 0.18 0.19
0.16 0.08
0.27
1.5
Accidents and Death Cases Reported
Table - 26
Year
2012 (Jan – August)
2011
2010
No. of Accidents
No. of Deaths
40
74
78
195
302
330
51
Breakdown of cases of deaths during the year 2012:
Table - 27
Male
Female
Jan.
21
14
Feb.
17
16
Mar. April May
12
18
21
12
8
4
June
07
08
July
13
10
August Total
07
116
07
79
Reasons for Deaths
Natural
Suicide
Homicide
Accident (Road Accident)
Accident (Other)
Total
Jan.
27
0
0
5
3
35
Feb.
27
1
0
0
5
33
Mar. April May
18
21
17
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
03
2
05
05
24
26
25
June
10
0
0
05
0
15
July
21
0
0
01
01
23
August Total
11
152
01
03
0
0
01
18
01
22
14
195
9. Jail Cases Attended
Table - 28
Direct Complaints
Referred by Conciliation Division
Jan.
60
8
Feb.
49
33
Mar. April May
39
64
53
8
10
10
June
51
17
July
70
09
August
30
17
Total
416
112
52
10. Detentions in Safe Houses (up to 30-07-2012)
Table - 29
Country/Place
No. of persons
Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Jordan
Lebanon
Oman
Kuwait
Qatar
Riyadh
Jeddah
2.6
Stay in for over 3
months
9
39
140
9
9
286
1
306
67
1
7
9
1
20
180
17
Foreign Relation Division – II
Statement of Intent of Foreign Relation Division – II is “Provision of reliefs to the victimized Sri Lankan Expatriate Workers through appropriate grievance handling mechanisms and
with the assistance of Sri Lankan Missions and other Authorities in host countries”
SCOPE OF FOREIGN RELATIONS DIVISION - II

Addressing the grievances of Sri Lankans who have secured employment overseas on their own

Provision of reliefs to the Sri Lankan expatriate workers recruited by foreign employment agencies after expiration of
their contract of Employment.
Assisting the Next of Kin (NOK) to trace runaway and stranded Sri Lankan expatriate workers

53
MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE FOREIGN RELATIONS – DIVISION - II

Attending to complaints regarding Sri Lankan employees

Referral to Sri Lanka Embassy for taking action in connection with the problems faced by Sri Lankan employees and
coordinate activities with the Sri Lanka Embassies for such issues

To refer the relevant files to Welfare Division of foreign employment bureau to take action to pay compensation for the
Sri Lanka employees who were subjected to harassment, accidents in the country of employment

To maintain formal and secured system of filing of documents regarding the complaints of Sri Lanka employees

To accept complaints in detail from the Next of Kin (NOK) of the Sri Lankan employees regarding the disputes and
hardships encountered by such workers

To refer the relevant files to the Foreign Relation- Division- I in connection with Sri Lankan employees who are in Jail,
Police, Prison or Hospital

To coordinate affairs between Next of Kin (NOK) and the worker in question regarding the disputes until that is solved

Update the internal complaint system in respect of Sri Lankan employees who are undergoing hardships overseas

Settlement of refundable deposit of US$1000 to the sponsors

Obtaining credibility reports on job orders from the Sri Lanka Missions overseas where necessary.

General Administration activities
54
NUMBER OF FILES PENDING AS AT 31-08-2012
Breakdown of pending files:
Table - 30
Nature of Complain
No. of Files
Safe House
143
Run Away cases
173
Without any information
275
Being Over kept
455
Cases of Harassment by the Sponsor
38
Cases of sickness of the Employee
44
Problems related to wages
74
Other problems with the Sponsor
57
Problems at the homes of Employees
18
Total:
1,277
55
2.7
Legal Division
2.7.1
Achievements / out puts for January – August 2012
Decrease in illegal / unlicensed persons involving in recruitments and related activities of foreign employment. This is
due to continuous investigations carried out by the Investigation Division throughout country. Number of special
investigation (raids) conducted by the Investigation Division is 44 up to August 2012.
Recovery of dues by litigation on behalf of employees who are employed abroad and who were cheated by licensed
agents on the promise of getting foreign employment.
Year
2012
2011
2010
Case Load
1,508
2,153
2,032
Corrective actions taken against licensed Agents in order to prevent them from violating the laws and directions given by
SLBFE
Year
2012
2011
2010
Case Load
445
534
590
Drafting of Bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between SLBFE and other organizations in
matters connected to Sri Lankan employees. These includes agreements for employment related and welfare matters
concerning the Sri Lankans leaving for employment abroad and for Sri Lankans who are in overseas employment. The
MOUs and agreements were with labour receiving countries governments, International organizations, and Local and
Foreign private sector undertakings.



Number of these documents – 20-25
Increasing License fee by and publishing in the Gazette
Assisting in the drafting of the proposed Sri Lanka Foreign Employments Authority Act (SLEMA).
56
2.7.2
Achievements /outputs likely to be completed between August – December 2012
Action is being taken –
 To hold mutual discussion with the conciliation division regarding matters connected with unsettled complaints referred to
by the conciliation division for legal action;
 To hold awareness programmes for the Conciliation officers who have recently been assigned to the Division, to enhance
their knowledge on the Law related to the SLBFE Act.
 To hold one day lecture by a panel of Senior Attorneys at Law for Legal Officers and Investigation Officers on prosecutions.
2.7.3
Achievements/outputs contributing to the vision laid down in “Mahinda Chinthanaya – Idiridekma”
 The MOU signed under the ISSP (International Social Security Programme) is to assure protection and safety of
Sri Lankan Migrant female domestic workers working in Saudi Arabia was drafted and relevant legal
recommendation were given.
 Drafting of MOU with Seylan Bank and Bank of Ceylon for purpose of introducing a Debit Card for female
domestic workers with display of their personal details in the card. This ensures „easy location of personal details‟
to protect their personal safety during their employment abroad.
 An MOU has been prepared between the Open University of Sri Lanka and Surado (Pvt) Ltd. with the view to
train Sri Lankan females as Care Givers ensuring the Mahinda Chinthana concept of increasing the recruitment of
Professionals to International Job Market.
 To ensure protection of the Sri Lankan Migrant Workers, an MOU between the Kingdom Saudi Arabia and the
Sri Lankan Government has been prepared and signed.
 Assisted to draft the proposed Authority Act which is to be implemented to regulate the entire process related to
inward and outward migration.
2.7.4
Plans for the year 2013
Action being pursued –
 To train the staff members who are assigned to „Rata Viruwo‟ programme to carry the message of „safe and
proper migration‟ to the general public and how to find employment legally in another country.
57
 To obtain services of senior Attorneys-at-Law to conduct Awareness and Educational programmes for the
Investigation Officers to upgrade their professional capacities in conducting court cases. Similarly, assistance
would be obtained from Senior Police Officer in the CID and the Fraud Bureau to guide the Investigation officers
through awareness programmes.
2.8
Conciliation Division
2.8.1 Statement of Intent of this Division is to “Provide relief to those Sri Lankans employed abroad when they are in difficulties”
2.8.2 Scopes of the Conciliation Division are  Settlement of complaints made by Sri Lankan Employees or their Next of Kins (NOKs) with co-ordination of the
respective Recruitment Agencies and/or the Sri Lankan Diplomatic Missions;
 Make all possible effort to obtain the back wages and compensation in the cases of any breach of employment
contracts.
2.8.3





The main functions of the Conciliation Division are Expedite the process of settling complaints;
Conduct Conciliation day programme to attend pending cases at Head Office;
Provide Residential Training for the Conciliation Officers;
Provide welfare facilities to needy persons reporting at the Office, seeking assistance;
Provide food, bus fares for needy persons who attend to the complaints at the request of SLBFE.
2.8.4 Settlement of complaints received up to 31-08-2012:
A.
Head Office
Table - 31
No. of Complaints / Files
Month
Received
January
715
Settled /
Closed
812
Payment of Compensation
(1*)
No. of cases
(Complaint, Files)
23
Amount Paid
1,250,500.00
58
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
Total
723
769
715
763
782
791
651
5,909
777
623
491
492
697
624
647
5,163
42
20
23
10
36
24
17
195
1,300,500.00
703,210.00
1,041,885.00
550,000.00
2,508,288.00
724,972.00
371,000.00
8,450,355.00
Note – 1* Compensation amounts obtained from the respective Local Agencies, Foreign Agencies or
Employers and paid to respective migrant employees/complaints
B. Regional Offices
Table - 32
No. of Complaints/Files
Regional Office
Payment of Compensation (*1)
No. of Cases
(complaint, Files)
Amount – Paid
No. of cases
pending as at
31.08.2012
Received
Settled/ Closed
Matara
240
75
95
Anuradhapura
237
72
74
Kandy
441
402
169
Badulla
104
47
56
Kurunegala
523
459
Rathnapura
115
39
Total
1660
1094
6
245,000.00
223
19
6
245,000.00
636
Summary:
No. of complaints received (January to August 2012) - 1,660
No. of complaints settled (January to August 2012) - 1,094
2.8.5 Classification of Complaints (Nature-wise) pending as at 31-08-2012
59
A. Head Office
Table - 33
Types of Complaint
Harassment
Non Payment of agreed wages
Breach of Contract
Lack of Communication
Death
Stranded workers
Others
Employees Missing (Run way)
Sickness
Total
No. of complaints
357
733
548
373
01
408
02
584
3006
B. Regional Offices
Table - 34
Regional Office
Matara
Anuradhapura
Kandy
Badulla
Kurunegala
Rathnapura
Total
Harassme
nt
12
19
28
4
60
1
124
NonBreach
payment of
of
agreed wages Contract
12
37
13
1
25
4
12
4
33
11
2
95
59
Types of Complaint
Lack of
communicati Other
on
s
11
20
9
20
26
64
9
16
17
45
3
12
75
177
Missing
Employees
(Runaways)
2
2
4
Sicknes
s
3
12
20
11
55
1
102
Total
95
74
169
56
223
19
636
60
Summary:
Complaints pending at Conciliation Division Complaints pending at Regional Offices Total Pending Complaints:
3,006
636
3,642
2.8.6 Recommendations for renewal of Local Agencies Licenses:
Number of licenses of Registered Agencies to be renewed - 489
2.8.7 Referral of unsuccessful Housemaids in foreign employment to be employed in the local market, especially in the garment
industries.
.
2.9 Procurement Division
2.9.1 Achievements / outputs for January – August 2012
A. Buildings
Locality
Badulla
Ratnapura
Tangalle
Performance
Hali-Ela MPCS Ltd agreed to lease for 25 years, Called valuation report from Department of Valuations, Surveyed the land and
waiting for the drawing. Project Consultant to be appointed shortly.
Designed completed, Signed Consultancy Agreement and Completed Soil Investigation, Completed drawing, Completed BOQ &
Bidding document, Tenders for construction work to be called shortly.
Stage I – finishing is in progress
Stage II - Completed Structural work up to 2nd Floor
61
Kurunegala
Completed Building No 02 & 04 and Toilets. Construction of Boundary Wall is in progress, started construction of Pantry and
Model House
Not Started as suitable land could not be found
Kataragama
Land acquired & Designing in Progress
Homagama
Prepared & signed Consultancy agreement & Completed Soil Investigation, Designing Progress
Kahagolla
Not started - Discussion in progress
Taken over on 22/09/2012
Gampaha
Called valuation report to acquire the land
Kandy
Received Board Approval and forwarded for the Cabinet approval to acquire the land
Matugama
B. Vehicles
Type of
Vehicle
Achievement
Bus
Procurement of one Bus and delivered
Van
Procurement of 03 Vans (02 Vans already delivered)
Cars
Procurement of 07 Cars (04 Cars already delivered)
2.10 Welfare, Sociology and Airport Division
2.10.1 Achievements/outputs for January – August 2012
62
Table - 35
Key Performance Indicator
Subsidies interest on loans obtained by migrant workers Loans, housing
and self employment.
Migrant worker patients admitted to hospital and hospital bills paid in
respect of returned sick migrant workers
Houses built for donation to disabled migrant workers
Payment of Insurance premium on behalf of migrant workers
Insurance claims
Performance (January – August 2012)
Expenditure
(Rs.)
40 persons benefitted
01 house completed and donated
10 houses being built
170,255 Insurance Premiums paid
1680 claims already paid
101 Claims forwarded to SLFEA
188,447.00
142,123,050.00
74,045,611.00
Provide special assistance for migrant worker families under WWF
Conduct of Medical Camps for the benefit of migrant workers‟ families
02 Medical Camps conducted
Implement vocational training programme for the children of migrant
workers
Provide welfare assistance (i.e. bus fare, medical treatments, transport
facilities, food & accommodation, etc)
Granting of Scholarships for the children of migrant workers
17 children got benefitted
Conduct of "Darudiriya " programme for protection and welfare of the
children of migrant workers
Distribution of school equipments for the children of migrant workers
657 children got benefitted
Conduct of advocacy workshops for District Secretaries
10 Workshops were held
Conduct of sensitizing programmes
145 persons got benefitted
78,100.00
7818 persons got benefitted
2,500 students got benefitted
48,000,000. 00
-
614 children got benefitted
Implement the project
Conduct of advocacy programmes
01 programme conducted
63
2.10.2 Plans for 2013

Adoption of Migrant Family Housing Support Programme.

Adoption of Migrant Family Development Programme through the service providing network of Government.

Conduct of Educational Performance Improvement Programme based on School Teachers.


Conduct of Scholarship Programme for the children of migrant workers by following Vocational Training
programme.
Implementation of Re-integration Programme for the Returnee Migrant Workers.
64
2.11 Financial Performance
Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment
Summarised Income & Expenditure Statement for the nine months ending 30th September 2012
Description
Actual
01.01.2012 to 30.09.2012
( Rs.)
Budgeted
01.01.2012 to
30.09.2012 (Rs )
Achievement as a % of
the Budget 2012
Income
Recruitment Fees - Agency
350,041,500
305,850,000
114
Recruitment Fees - Individual /Bureau
331,981,500
461,125,000
72
37,576,800
39,864,000
94
License Fees
5,380,000
15,540,000
35
Cess Income
18,980,994
22,500,000
84
Korean Administration Fees
17,900,596
30,110,280
59
Korean Training fees
47,178,030
78,781,500
60
Facilities Fees
Reimbursement of Expenses of Overseas Workers Welfare Fund
375,000,000
80
3,976,470
10,000,000
40
1,114,255,844
1,338,770,780
83
Staff Costs
379,862,594
494,773,780
77
Establishment Expenses
140,423,163
153,059,999
92
167,089,490
74
Commission received to Air ticketing unit
Operational Income
301,239,954
Less:
Operational Expenses
123,468,962
Advertisement Expenses
27,390,946
64,393,400
43
Business Promotion Expenses
79,555,837
76,058,200
105
504,715,055
695,949,844
73
1,255,416,557
1,651,324,713
76
-141,160,713
-312,553,933
45
Workers Welfare Fund Expenses
Total Expenditure
Excess/Deficit
Add - Other Income
Foreign Aid
Interest from Investments
Contribution received from World Bank and ILO Project
Foreign Currency Exchange Gain / (Loss)
156,482
750,000
21
326,215,024
-
302,000,000
108
2,858,211
2,250,000
0
750,000
381
65
Interest from Staff Loans
Sundry Income
Excess of Income over Expenditure
7,565,612
7,500,000
101
346,721,842
319,250,000
109
205,561,129
6,696,067
3,070
9,926,513
6,000,000
165
66
Summarized Income & Expenditure Statement for the nine months ending 30th September - 2011
Description
Actual
01.01.2011 to 31.12.2011 (Rs)
Budgeted
01.01.2011 to 31.12.2011 (Rs)
Achievement as a %
of the Budget
Income
Recruitment Fees - Agency
388,551,750
360,000,000
108
Recruitment Fees - Individual /Bureau
645,097,000
581,250,000
111
Facilities Fees
52,722,400
48,229,000
109
License Fees
7,480,000
22,000,000
34
Cess Income
20,449,073
25,617,356
80
Korean Administration Fees
26,826,786
68,072,922
39
Korean Training fees
68,241,747
45,509,704
150
371,419,257
449,756,000
83
Reimbursement of Expenses of Overseas Workers Welfare Fund
Commission received to Air ticketing unit
-
6,028,413
Operational Income
-
1,586,816,426
1,600,434,982
99
Staff Costs
470,458,158
501,970,000
94
Establishment Expenses
175,910,488
200,050,000
88
172,431,753
97
Less:
Operational Expenses
166,708,343
Advertisement Expenses
47,799,296
44,000,000
109
Business Promotion Expenses
65,849,388
92,660,500
71
728,859,590
979,456,000
74
1,655,585,263
1,990,568,253
83
-68,768,837
-390,133,271
18
438,798
5,000,000
9
618,937,900
475,000,000
130
Workers Welfare Fund Expenses
Total Expenditure
Excess/Deficit
Add - Other Income
Foreign Aid
Interest from Investments
Contribution received from World Bank and ILO Project
Foreign Currency Exchange Gain / (Loss)
2,161,731
7,212,392
2,000,000
361
67
Interest from Staff Loans
Profit on sale of Fixed Assets
Sundry Income
Excess of Income over Expenditure
9,563,395
8,000,000
120
0
38,191,767
255
15,000,000
676,505,983
505,000,000
134
607,737,146
114,866,729
529
68
3. SRI LANKA FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY (SLFEA)
3.1 Administration Division



Suitable action taken to reduce unnecessary expenditure involved in running the Establishment.
Updated the attendance and Leave records of all employees
Inquiring Officers and Prosecuting Officers have been instructed to conduct disciplinary inquiri3es accurately and finalize
the inquiries which are pending for more than three years.
Fraud cases and complaints against employees have been referred to Bribery Commission, CID, Fraud Bureau and
Presidential Special Investigating Unit. Appropriate action has been initiated to look in to the complains made against to
employees.

3.2 Human Resources Division

Employees on varied grounds have been recruited for Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency. The Salaries and other Government
approved allowances and the terms and conditions of employees were varied.

Employees who serve on contract basis are being paid Cost of Living allowance and Special Living allowance granted by the
Government under budget proposal of 2011.

Information Technology Division has become a vital and integral part of the Organization. Maintaining a data base system and
providing necessary business information to both internal and external parties are the key activities of the Information Technology
Division.

Under the guidance of the Hon. Minister, SLFEA has been entrusted with Migrant Insurance portfolio and SLFEA to set up a new
division for its migrant insurance activities initiated and implemented by SLFEA.
Future Plans for the year 2013


Annual trainings to be conducted for all employees of SLFEA.
Recruitment criteria to be adapted as per the guideline of Management Services.
69
3.3 Recruitment Division
3.3.1 Achievements /out puts for January – August 2012
Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency has received job orders inclusive of;









Taxi Drivers - Al Million Taxi servicers, Doha, Qatar
Taxi Drivers – Karwa Taxi servicers, Doha, Qatar
Catering staff – Amwaj Catering Company in Doha
Hotel workers – Ishtar Hotel, Baghdad, Iraq
Juki Machine Operators – CMT Garments in Mauritius
Female Factory workers – SENSATA Technologies in Malaysia
Sales Executives – Learning Time Company, UAE, Qatar, Oman
Technician, Draftsmen, Engineers – Sahjan Trading, Doha, Qatar
Heavy Machine Operators – HOT Engineering Company in Kuwait
SLFEA has recruited 198 Sri Lankan workers for foreign Employment during the period of January to August 2012. In addition
to this, more Care givers, Drivers and Machine Operators will be recruited to be sent to new destinations such as Israel and Italy.
3.3.2 Achievements /out puts likely to be completed between August - December 2012

The recruitments made up to 30.09.2012

The recruitments to be made for existing destinations and clients, such as;





Drivers - Al Million Taxi servicers, Doha Qatar
Hotel workers - Ishtar Hotel in Baghdad
Juki Machine Operators - CMT Garments, Mauritius
Factory workers - SENSATA Technologies, Malaysia
Heavy Machine Operators - HOT Engineering Company in Kuwait.
70

The recruitments planned during the last quarter of 2012
3.3.3 Achievements/Outputs likely to be completed between August – December 2012
Complete the local area network and power system at SLFEA premises.







Local area network will be support Gigabit speed and network switches will have the managed features.
Power system will have 13A outlets secured with surge protection system.
Set up and configure the servers and implement a database system.
Install and configure active directory system, proxy and firewall in order to control and manage the IT assets
properly.
Implement the required information systems to help achieving the goals of SLFEA.
Implement a partnership project to get the IT support from ICTA.
Secure the information with latest protection techniques.
3.3.4 Plans for 2013

Implement information systems supports cloud technology which can be securely accessed from anywhere.

Implement a disaster recovery plan for the SLFEA information system.

Implement a proper e-wastage management system.
3.4 Finance Division
3.4.1 Achievements/out puts for January – August 2012
From the year 2003 to 2009 (seven years) the Auditors have not expressed any Opinion (Disclaimer account) and year
2010 Auditors have issued an Except Opinion.
We got the favorable Audit opinion in year 2012 for year 2011 accounts and submitted to the SLBFE in time to produce
the consolidated accounts. The Auditors have expressed that the Company maintains a proper accounting records and
the financial statement gives true and fair view of the company.
During January to August 2012 we have refunded Rs 2.5 Million as Korean Deposits, which were taken from Korean
migrant workers in the years 2006 and 2007.
71
Investments have been increased to Rs 92 Mn. Out of this, Rs 20 Mn. from SLBFE as special loan granted to SLFEA to
build up funds to initiate the insurance scheme. Rs 25 Mn. has been invested by SLFEA for the Insurance Scheme. A
Bank has been selected to invest this capital after obtaining special rates from three reputed Commercial Banks. (The
Investment balance as at the end of year 2011 amounts to Rs 45.7 M)
Advertisements were made in TV Channels, Radio Channels as well as in the Print Media. It is also an investment for
the future. It will be helpful to increase the Job Bank Data base of SLFEA.
3.5
Insurance Division
3.5.1 Achievements/out puts for January – August 2012

The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency (Pvt ) Ltd entrusted the insurance scheme for migrant workers which is
one of the biggest portfolio in insurance business on 29th of march 2012 and personal accident, natural death,
permanent disablement and partial disablement, repatriation and medical benefits given to the migrant workers under
the said insurance cover.

We retained the country‟s biggest insurer SLIC as the service partner for the personal accident scheme and MBSL
insurance for the repatriation and medical schemes. Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency became an agent of Sri
Lanka Insurance Cooperation under this migrant Insurance scheme.

Since the beginning up to 30th of August 2012, 102203 migrant workers have been covered under this scheme and
we have received 66 claim files under this portfolio. We have provided speedier settling system hence 63 claims
have been already settled out of 66 and balance 3 claim files are processing.

Considering the collected premium and amount of claims we settled, the interest of the deposited huge premiums,
we have managed to generate substantial income and we have contributed to build a massive fun out of the collected
premium.

Since the Insurance Division commenced in March 2012, there is no corporate strategy plan for this Unit. However,
based on the generated income and speediness of claim settling procedure, we have achieved all the plans as targeted
under the Insurance Division. Every effort will be made to achieve the said target and hope to systemize the claim
process.
72
3.5.2 Achievements/outputs contributing to the vision laid down in “Mahinda Chintanaya – Idiridakma”
Hon-Minister Mr.Dilan Perera stated that “Sri Lanka‟s migrant workers contribute much for the country‟s economy. It is
the Government‟s duty and responsibility to look into the welfare of migrant workers. As a Government owned
company, SLFEA has taken that responsibility and they are providing reasonable compensation and high-quality service
to migrant workers who are in helpless situation and save them from unexpected risks”.
It is expected to provide the insurance cover continuously for the migrant workers in an efficient and accurate manner in
the coming years under this policy by systematizing the claim procedure and data base.
3.6 Migrant Workers Recruitment Details
Recruitment details from January to September 2012
Country
Abu Dhabi
Cyprus
Doha – Qatar
Dubai
Kuwait
Lebanon
Malaysia
Oman
Baghdad
Total:
Table - 36
Feb.
No. of Departures – 2012
Mar.
Apr.
May
Jun.
Jul.
Aug.
22
2
19
12
20
1
16
6
17
14
11
27
17
151
63
1
4
2
1
11
29
33
03
06
02
02
57
13
24
02
02
255
January
10
9
11
6
3
24
10
20
28
31
23
Sep.
Total
Jan- Sep.
73
Table - 37
Period
Country
2008
Jan-Sep.
Bahrain
Abu Dhabi
Cyprus
Dubai
Doha Qatar
Lebanon
Libya
Malaysia
Israel
Kuwait
Japan
Seychelles
Oman
Caicos
KSA
Male
14
03
115
121
02
58
Total
409
2009
Jan-Sep.
2010
Jan-Sep.
143
100
01
03
2011
Jan-Sep.
29
143
01
97
06
50
-
285
04
84
10
30
04
62
02
23
01
04
247
326
413
74
3.7 Financial Performance
Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Agency
Summarised Income & Expenditure Statement for the nine months
ending 30th September 2012
Revenue
Jan – Sep 2012
Jan to Dec 2011
Un Audited
Audited &
With Provisions
Finalized
Rs
Rs
Revenue from Korean Programme
47,169,652.92
72,732,080.58
Revenue from Recruitment
4,228,461.18
Revenue from Migrant Insurance
32,342,987.58
Miscellaneous Income
161,893.62
Investment Income
Rent Income
Profit on Disposal of Vehicle
Gratuity over Provision
5,288,815.75
Total Revenue of the Company
Expenses
89,191,811.05
91,484,315.48
Administration exp
54,073,213.73
86,420,079.41
Business Promotion expenses
2,593,889.84
2,817,061.14
Travelling & Transport Expenses
1,858,403.39
2,935,596.52
Finance cost
14,250.00
Total Company Expenses
58,539,756.96
Company Net Profit /(Loss) before Tax
30,652,054.09
9,359,980.96
107,589.23
3,750,166.41
1,200,000.00
2,962,055.00
1,372,443.30
77,556.23
92,250,293.30
(765,977.82)
75