Sri Lanka is considering halting the migration of household helpers to the Middle East

The number of Sri Lankan workers in the Middle East is estimated to have reached 1.2 million the majority of whom are employed as domestic workers.  Recently, the Sri Lankan ambassador to Kuwait, C. A.Wijeratne, announced that his government is seriously considering putting an end the migration of Sri Lankan workers especially to the Middle East in view of the negative consequences of this phenomenon which, according to the ambassador, is leading to the dissolution of families.  The ambassador clarified that no decision has been take yet but is under serious consideration and without exceptions.  He added that the decision was also informed by the poor living conditions of Sri Lankan workers in the region, the low salaries they receive and the ill treatment that many suffer.
Source: AL-Diyar 17 February 2014