The Government has decided to formulate a new Inbound Labour Migration Policy aimed at regulating foreign workers entering Sri Lanka for employment purposes, according to Cabinet decisions.

Cabinet noted that while Sri Lanka has traditionally focused on overseas employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers, several sectors are now seeking to recruit foreign employees with skilled, semi-skilled and specialist expertise.

At present, the process of regulating foreign workers entering the country is handled through multiple administrative procedures managed by different institutions. Authorities said a more systematic and centralized mechanism is now required to effectively manage 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.

The Government also stated that the policy would ensure the protection of employment opportunities available to Sri Lankan workers while addressing labour shortages in key sectors.

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 the draft framework.