The Government has decided to formulate an Inbound Labour Migration Policy for Sri Lanka aimed at regulating foreign workers entering the country for employment purposes, according to Cabinet decisions.Cabinet noted that while Sri Lanka has traditionally focused on managing overseas employment opportunities for Sri Lankans, requests are now being made in several sectors to recruit foreign workers with skilled, semi-skilled and specialist expertise.

At present, the regulation of foreign workers entering Sri Lanka is carried out through multiple administrative procedures handled by different institutions. Authorities said there is a need for a more systematic and centralized approach to managing inbound labour migration.The proposed policy is expected to establish a coordinated and transparent national framework covering the admission, employment, supervision, protection and regulation of foreign workers entering Sri Lanka. It is also expected to ensure the protection of employment opportunities available to Sri Lankan workers. Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to formulate the policy and appoint a Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Labour to prepare a draft framework