Development of International Migration Statistics in Sri Lanka

Abstract

International Migration is a significant component of demography, and has the unique feature, that it could be controlled through regulation unlike other factors affecting demography such as births and deaths. Statistics on migration in Sri Lanka are compiled using several sources, such as the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Bureau of Foreign Employment, UNHCR, ad hoc airport surveys, and even census studies. Under the purview of this publication, only data from the Bureau of Foreign Employment is deemed relevant, and professional migration to Western countries is not taken into account. SLBFE is responsible for the welfare, promotion and regulation of migrant workers and workers are required to register with the Bureau when leaving for employment. However, not all workers comply and hence the statistics recorded could be less than the actuals. These statistics are also augmented by figures received from Embassies abroad and from ILO statistics.