Overseas Workers Welfare Fund

Date Shared:

Friday, July 11, 2014 - 10:30

Countries and areas:

Sri Lanka

2030 Agenda migration-relevant and related target Labels:

Goal 10: Reduced inequalities

Targets on vulnerability and protection

GCM Thematic Cluster Areas:

Objective 7: Address and reduce vulnerabilities in migration

Objective 14: Enhance consular protection, assistance and cooperation throughout the migration cycle

Objective 19: Create conditions for migrants and diasporas to fully contribute to sustainable development in all countries

Contributors:

Member States

Chairmanship:

Belgium 2007

Geographical Relevance:

National

Tags:

Migration, Trade and Investments, Portability of Social Benefits, Return and Reintegration, Migrant Protection and Assistance, Diaspora Empowerment and Engagement, Diaspora Investment and Entrepreneurship, Labor Mobility, Empowerment and Rights of Migrants

Summary:

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) was formed by an Act of Parliament in 1985, one of its objectives being the establishment of an Overseas Workers Welfare Fund (OWWF). The OWWF aims to meet all expenses incurred in providing assistance to Sri Lankan migrant workers and their families. The Fund offers a compulsory insurance scheme, coverage of cost of repatriation of migrant workers, scholarships for children, and loan schemes with partner banks to cover migrants' pre-departure costs and start-up of self-employment schemes. In 2012, the Fund provided 2,720 scholarships for children of migrant workers amounting to Rs. 53 million and paid out almost Rs. 109 million in insurance compensation to 2,362 beneficiaries. The Fund also supports returnees who have been rendered disabled while being employed overseas.

Link:

For more information see:

Link to documents:

Labour Migration in Asia: Protection of Migrant Workers, Support Services and Enhancing Development Benefices, IOM/ ADB/ DFID, 2005, in http://publications.iom.int/bookstore/free/Labour_Migration_Asia_2.pdf

GFMD Source:

GFMD 2007 - RT 1.3 'The role of other-than government partners in strengthening the developmental contribution of temporary labor migration.'

GFMD 2015 - Thematic Meeting 3 'Recognizing the contributions of women migrants to economic and social development in countries of origin and destination and addressing their specific needs, particularly concerning respect for their human rights.'