A team of Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment(SLBFE) officers will leave for Saudi Arabia to inquire about a facilitation centre where a group of Sri Lankan females are held, awaiting departure to Sri Lanka, SLBFE monitoring MP Hector Appuhamy said yesterday.
“The team of officers will be able to give a detailed account on the matter after reaching the distressed group,” he said.
UNP MP Appuhamy made these observations at a press brief at the SLBFE in Battaramulla yesterday (18) morning.
A video went viral recently on social media where a group of Sri Lankan women who are temporarily stationed at a care center run by the Saudi government complained about their current conditions and the delay in departure.
According to the footage, there are around 49 women stationed at the said care center while 21 of them are awaiting departure to Sri Lanka soon.
“There could be many sides to one story. It is important that we look at all these facets before coming to a conclusion.” MP Appuhamy pointed out.
MP Appuhamy further said that the government has commenced a special project to minimise the number of females who go for employment, especially to the Middle East, as housemaids.
“Instead, we are seeking opportunities to send skilled male labour to these countries,” MP Appuhamy pointed out.
MP Appuhamy also said that strict action will be taken against those who attempt to illegally leave the country for employment.
MP Appuhamy speaking of the referred video footage said that the team of SLBFE officers will look into the matter collaborating closely with the Saudi government.
He also pointed out that the government will be able to get a better picture of the matter when they establish face-to-face communication with the alleged victims.
“Everyone should understand that we are dealing with the Saudi Arabian government in this case. They have very strict laws and customs. We need to work very carefully with them. We cannot afford to make any diplomatic errors, jeopardizing the income sources of many Sri Lankans who are employed in Saudi Arabia.” MP Appuhamy pointed out. Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Chairman and other officials also participated.
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