Sri Lanka has witnessed a historic surge in overseas migration for employment in 2024, with over 312,000 citizens seeking work abroad, marking the highest number in the nation’s history, according to newly released statistics from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).
A total of 312,836 Sri Lankans left the country for overseas job opportunities last year, surpassing previous records by a significant margin. The figures show a gender-divided migration pattern, with 185,162 male workers and 127,674 female workers among those who ventured abroad for employment in 2024.
Top Destinations for Migrants
Among the key destinations, Kuwait emerged as the leading country, attracting the largest number of Sri Lankan workers—77,546 individuals, followed closely by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where 51,550 Sri Lankans sought employment. Other notable countries in the migration trend included South Korea, with 7,098 workers, Israel, with 9,665 workers, and Japan, where 8,665 Sri Lankans relocated for work.
Economic Impact: Surge in Remittances
The substantial rise in labor migration has had a direct impact on the nation’s economy, contributing to a significant increase in remittances. Central Bank data reveals that by the end of November 2024, remittances from Sri Lankans working abroad reached a staggering 6.46 billion U.S. dollars, reflecting both the growing number of migrant workers and the expanding scale of financial transfers back to Sri Lanka.
The flow of remittances has been a vital source of income for many families and has played a crucial role in supporting the country’s economy during a period of economic challenges.
Ongoing Trends and Future Outlook
The year 2024 marks a turning point for Sri Lanka’s labor migration trends, with experts suggesting that the migration figures are expected to continue rising in the coming years, given the demand for skilled and unskilled labor in many Middle Eastern and Asian nations. As Sri Lankans continue to seek better opportunities abroad, the government and various stakeholders will likely focus on providing enhanced support and services for migrant workers to ensure their welfare and maximize the benefits for both the individuals and the nation.
As Sri Lanka grapples with an ongoing economic recovery process, the increase in migration and remittances presents a dual-edged opportunity: alleviating immediate financial pressures while posing potential long-term challenges related to workforce shortages and social impact.
For now, however, the historical figures of 2024 stand as a testament to the resilience of the Sri Lankan workforce and the global demand for their skills.
South Asia Politics 