A surge of requests on behalf of Sri Lankan workers in Saudi Arabia!

“Takamol” is an institution under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of the Saudi Arabian government. The function of this institution is to oversee the management of foreign workers both within Saudi Arabia and those entering the country. Musanad, an extension of Takamol, specifically focuses on the management of workers arriving in Saudi Arabia for domestic services.

A special discussion was held between Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, who is currently on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the authorities of Takamol and Musanad institutions.

It was organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

During the discussion, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe pointed out that there is a need for an effective social security programme for Sri Lankan domestic workers working in Saudi Arabia. The possibility of providing higher wages, a higher standard of living, and labour rights to the relevant workers was also discussed.

In addition, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe drew the attention of Saudi authorities to issues such as providing job skills, welfare, workplace safety, and employee salaries to low-skilled and semi-skilled workers currently working in Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Mahinda Jayasinghe stated that the current government does not promote sending Sri Lankan women to work abroad as domestic workers, nevertheless he also pointed out the importance of providing high salaries and a high standard of living to Sri Lankans who come to Saudi Arabia for domestic work.

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe emphasized during the discussion that it is the current government’s determination to send skilled Sri Lankans with professionalism to all 23 job categories currently available in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi authorities stated that they are continuing discussions regarding these proposals and anticipate bringing more Sri Lankan workers to their country.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia His Excellency Ameer Ajwad and Mr.Mangala Randeniya, Advisor on Employment and Welfare at the Embassy, ​​also participated in this special discussion.