SLBFE earnings from migrant workers incrase

Income from registration fees charged from migrant workers at the airport by the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau showed an increase of Rs. 25 million during the past month. This was revealed to The Island by the Manager of the SLBFE’s airport branch Sri Lal Perera yesterday (01).
The SLBFE’s airport income from migrant workers in 2007 exceeded the previous year’s income by 50 million rupees. This was a clear net profit for the SLBFE he said.
The SLBFE charges Rs.7,700 from each Sri Lankan going abroad for employment, under the provisions of the foreign employment law, but in the case of those who go through employment agencies 70 percent of the fee charged is paid to the employment agency. However, those who find employment direct through other Sri Lankans or foreigners have to pay the SLBFE the full amount before their departure.
He said the income from the fee is used for insurance and welfare schemes for the migrant workers and their families and also to meet expenses of repatriating workers who get into problems in countries they work.
Sahana Piyasa, a transit home of the SLBFE, for migrant workers returning due to problems or illness while working abroad, provides transport and help in medical treatment and travelling expenses for those who quit employment without a salary to return home.
Yesterday (1) there were 17 such persons who were provided help to return home and that included three males and 14 females who returned from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bharain and Dubai, Sri Lal Perera said.