Expat women workers deserve safe return with dignity - Minister

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

A well organised system will be formulated soon for the Sri Lankan women to come home with dignity after completion of their service abroad, Child Development and Women's Empowerment Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena said.

Minister Jayasena said the first step of this programme will be making all relevant institutions and organisations available online. There are many state and private sector organisations which work with the Sri Lankan women working abroad as housemaids.

Minister Jayasena pointed out the importance of assisting Sri Lankans to return to their motherland with dignity. It is Sri Lankan women working abroad as housemaids who bring the largest amount of foreign exchange to the country. They sacrifice their happiness and comfort for the well-being of their families therefore they deserve a safe return with dignity, she said.

The Minister stressed the need for advanced training for women through Foreign Employment Bureau before their departure.

It is important to address their problems swiftly when they return home for vacation.

A handful of women misbehave while working abroad. Because of this all Sri Lankan women working abroad as housemaids lose their dignity and the society looks at them in a negative way. This situation should be changed, she added.