Govt. secures 69,000 jobs for male nurses in Italy

by Chanuka Mannapperuma

The Government has secured 69,000 jobs for male nurses in Italy, Secretary to the Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Ministry, Upali Dahanayake told the Sunday Observer .

The Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare is planning to expedite the process this year. An Italian language, programme has been organised for job aspirants.

He said job opportunities were available in the nursing and attendant sectors in Italy. He said that according to a survey conducted by them the Italian Government needs nearly 99,000 nurses per year.

He said, "this is a good opportunity to enter the foreign job market, but the problem is that we do not have skilled workers. According to a survey in 2002 the following number of nurses were sent to Italy -Europe 1,837, Africa 366, Asia 105, America 302 and Australia 2. But in 2005 the following number was sent - Eastern Europe 4,605, Africa 443, Asia 820, America 838 and Australia 25.

This shows a slight increase and Sri Lanka can be a good job market for Italy. The age limit for applicants is 18-40. He said, that they are planning to train nurses who could not enter universities.

Those who have passed the A/L examination in science subjects will be eligible.

The language course will be for three months. The training course will be conducted by the Foreign Employment Bureau.

Selected applicants should be able to communicate with Italian employers.

He said that the Italian Government was keen to employ Sri Lankans because they are loyal and hard working.