Sri Lankan migrant workers will be getting more benefits in accordance with the new government’ national policy, official sources said.
According to the National Policy Framework, migrant workers’ remittances as well as the earnings and savings will be exempted from income taxes and foreign currency bank accounts will be made tax free.
A special loan scheme will be introduced to enable those who return to Sri Lanka after foreign employment to commence tax-exempt enterprises.
A duty-free vehicle permit will be given for migrant workers and Sri Lankans abroad who have remitted US$50,000 annually continuously for a period of 10 years.
Migrant workers who have been in employment abroad for a period of over six years are eligible to a contributory pension scheme under the new policy.
This welfare package will be offered to migrant workers in addition to benefits provided to the by the previous rregime.
Migrant labor is the chief source of the foreign exchange to the country. However, there are cases when Sri Lankan expatriates work abroad does not get any such benefits, security, and legal cover.
The previous government’s welfare package includes vocational training, self-employment opportunities, medical facilities and insurance, special loan scheme, relief packages on telephone conversations and scholarships for the children of the migrant workers.
Even after coming to Sri Lanka, workers will get benefits such as bank loans for self employment ventures and business.
(LI)