More benefits for 140,000 Lankan workers in UAE

by Ananda Kannangara

A record 140,000 Sri Lankan workers employed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will receive enhanced welfare facilities, job security and employment benefits with the signing of an historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries in Colombo on Friday.

Foreign Employment and Welfare Minister Keheliya Rambukwella signed the MoU on behalf of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) while Labour Minister Dr. Ali Bin Abdulla Al Kabi represented the UAE Government.

It is reported that nearly 35,000 Sri Lankans, including professionals are leaving the country for employment in the UAE annually.

According to the rules and regulations of the MoU, a special committee will be set up with the representation of labour officials of both countries to oversee the progress of the MoU.

Meanwhile, the UAE labour delegation and a Sri Lankan labour delegation, headed by Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on Friday night paid a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees to discuss various employment problems faced by our workers while being employed in foreign countries.