Sri Lanka sets record for migrant worker departures in 2024
(Photo by Christoph Theisinger on Unsplash)
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) announced that the number of Sri Lankans going abroad for work in 2024 is expected to surpass 311,000, marking the highest departures ever recorded in a single calendar year.
As of December 13, 2024, 300,162 Sri Lankan workers have already migrated for employment, breaking the 300,000 milestone for only the second time in the past decade. The previous peak was recorded in 2022, with 310,948 departures.
A significant shift in workforce demographics has also been noted, with male workers making up 60% (177,804) of the migrant labor force and women accounting for 40% (122,358). Among those departing, 184,140 opted for self-arranged employment, while 116,022 secured opportunities through employment agencies.
Kuwait remained the most popular destination for Sri Lankan workers, attracting 73,995 migrants. The UAE followed with 49,499, while other emerging destinations included South Korea (7,002), Israel (9,211), Romania (10,274), and Japan (8,251).
Remittances from these workers have significantly bolstered Sri Lanka’s economy, contributing US$ 5,961.6 million up to November 2024, according to SLBFE.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Anuradhapura Prison chief further remanded until June 23, 2025 June 13, 2025
- Iran to deliver ‘Harsh Response’ to Israeli attack, security sources say June 13, 2025
- COPA calls for audit on train cancellations June 13, 2025
- Immigration Department officer arrested over illegal passports for criminals June 13, 2025
- IRGC Chief Hossein Salami killed in Israeli strike, Iran confirms June 13, 2025
