Discriminated Abroad and at Home: Sri Lankan Women Migrant Workers

Abstract

The volume of Sri Lankan labour in the categories of unskilled and skilled categories amounts to an outflow of around 250,000 an year. The very numbers necessitated a dedicated state body to look after the interests of the migrants, and the Bureau of Foreign Employment was set up for this purpose. However, not withstanding the enormous contribution made to the economy by the workers, their welfare is largely ignored, and the female workers are subject to abuse, exploitation and discrimination both at home and in the host countries. This study is designed to examine the existing legal, political and administrative provisions and also international conventions relating to the protection and welfare of migrant workers, particularly women. Three stages of the migration process, pre departure, employment and reintegration are examined, and recommendations for improvement are highlighted.