Abstract:
The National Labour Migration Policy adopted by Sri Lanka in 2008 lays great importance to the welfare and protection of migrant workers working overseas. The policy, while giving prominence to the role that should be played by the state in ensuring the safety, security and welfare of its nationals working overseas, emphasizes the need to strengthen the services given by diplomatic missions in labour receiving countries. Following upon the recommendations of two studies commissioned by the ILO on grievance redress mechanisms available to Sri Lankan workers, the Operational Manual for Diplomatic Missions was formulated incorporating standard operational guidelines for the purpose of addressing migrant issues.