SLBFE to turn down work permits

Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that no work permits for housemaids from Gulf countries will be accepted by the Foreign Employment Bureau from July 01 unless the minimum salary of Rs. 25,000 is stated.

A circular in this regard has been sent to job recruiting agencies. The Minister Rambukwella said that he informed foreign labour ministers about the decision during his recent visits to the Gulf region.

Over 325,000 Sri Lankans are employed in Saudi Arabia, 175,000 in Kuwait and 175,000 in the UAE. (AK)