Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has called on the International Labor Organization (ILO) to cooperate in seeking re-employment and to gain compensation for the migrant employees who had lost their occupations in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister made the request during a discussion held at the Ministry with Country Representative of the International Labor Organization Zimrit Singh on Friday.
The Minister mentioned that Sri Lanka has already taken steps to amend the Sri Lankan Labour Laws in compliance with the global changes and the Government had taken steps to strengthen the relationships shared between the employee and the employer.
Issues faced by Sri Lankans who migrate to different countries were also discussed in the discussion.
The Minister also pointed out to the representative regarding the security issues faced by the employees, difficulties in obtaining proper wages and visas and the high charges of the job agents.
Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the local employment agents had informed him that they have to charge high amounts as the overseas employment agents charge higher amounts.
He called for the intervention of the International Labor Organization (ILO) to reduce the large fees charged by employment agents abroad.
The Minister also stated that he expects the organisation to intervene to facilitate the visa obtaining process.
