Special unit set up to combat human trafficking

A special unit was set up at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday to combat human trafficking, according to a statement from the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment.  

Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said the unit was set up to safeguard Sri Lankans travelling abroad for employment, ensuring they do not fall prey to human trafficking. 

The unit was established based on a recommendation by the parliament select committee formed to provide recommendations to ensure gender equality and to prevent discrimination based on gender. 

Created with the intention of protecting Sri Lankans who travel overseas using tourist visas from the risks of human trafficking and offering guidance to migrant workers from Sri Lanka, the Ministry said the unit will focus on individuals travelling to countries such as Malaysia, Oman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi on tourist visas. The unit will operate within airport facilities around the clock.

Previously, the minister declared the Government’s intention to digitise the foreign employment service as a measure against human trafficking.

During the initial four months of 2023, Sri Lankan migrant workers sent back more than $ 1.8 billion in remittances. These remittances play a pivotal role as a primary source of foreign revenue for Sri Lanka.