SLBFE goes for SMSs to resolve disputes

by Ananda Agalakada

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) will introduce a new system where SMS messages on mobile phones will be used to resolve disputes expeditiously between migrant workers and foreign employment agents.

Under the system complaints against job agents will be relayed to the relevant person immediately via an SMS, and explanations will be called for within 48 hours.

A computer data network, linking all SLBFE offices in the countries will be used to relay information on a real-time basis.

If the job agent fails to respond within 48 hours to the Bureau an inquiry will be held and both parties will be informed of the date via an SMS. Migrant workers from overseas can link this system through a family member on SLBFE's 24 hour hotline or through the Sri Lankan embassy in the country where they work.

According to SLBFE sources around 70 percent of migrant workers are recruited through local job agents. The SLBFE receives an average of 8,000 complaints annually by job seekers and migrant workers.