Despite the government facilitate safe return to Sri Lankan migrant workers in Israel, no request being made to bring them back, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister, Manusha Nanayakkara said.
He noted that due to prevailing conflict situation in Israel, the government had set up a help line and is ready facilitate to safety bring those wish to return.
Minister Nanayakkara expressed.these views, after he paid his respects to Anula Weerasinghe, a caregiver who passed away in Israel at her residence in Eriyawattiya this afternoon.
“Anula Weerasinghe was a dedicated caregiver who fulfilled her duties conscientiously. I have conveyed the condolences of our government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of Israel to Anula’s relatives. All compensation owed to Anula will be provided accordingly. Sri Lankan workers who wish to return to Sri Lanka due to the prevailing situation in Israel, the government stands ready to facilitate their return at any time,” he said.
He noted that no requests have been made to bring any Sri Lankan migrant work in Israel to bring back.
“It is important to note that no requests have been made by any Sri Lankan migrant worker thus far. We have received information that Sri Lankans in conflict zones, not only in Israel but also in neighboring countries, are currently safe. As a government, we have made all necessary arrangements to bring them back to this country at any time, not only in Israel but anywhere in the world,” he added.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s stance on Israel – Palestine, Minister Nanayakkara point out that Sri Lankan government maintains a neutral position and strongly advocate for peace and oppose any form of war or conflict.
He also raised concerns over initiative of Sri Lankan ambassador to Israel to grant visas to Sri Lankans who are currently living and working in Israel even after their visa periods have expired.
” It has come to my attention that news stories in the media have reported visa issuance to individuals in Israel even after their visa periods have lapsed. In my view, it is illegal to issue visas to those who have left this country and are staying illegally in Israel,” he said.
