safe labour migration information guide - ilo

Safe Labour Migration

Information Guide

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment

Safe Labour Migration Information Guide

Technical assistance to develop this information guide was provided

ContentsPreface

List of Handouts

agency

List of Annexures

PrefaceThis safe migration information guide was developed as a result of requests

labour migration to be available at local levels for sharing by government

to ensure information supporting safe migration of women and men was

This safe migration information guide was developed through a consultative

1Introduction to the safe migration information guide

Introduction to the safe migration information guide

This is an information guide targeted mainly providing information for the

The main objective of preparing such an information guide is to provide

The guide has been developed based on the labour migration cycle and is

There are four main components in the labour migration process

Under each main component there are sub areas as follows:

2 Introduction to the safe migration information guide

3Introduction to the safe migration information guide

Safe Migration

requirements

reintegration

Steps of Safe Labour Migration

5Pre-departure

Section 1 Pre-departure

1.1 Pre-decision Making Considerations A. Key considerations before the decision making process:

B. Whom should I discuss with and consult before taking a decision to migrate for employment?

advice and support

6 Pre-departure

support towards my family while I am out of the

employment

C. Am I eligible to seek foreign employment? (Age limit, children’s age, medical requirements)

PipenaKekulu- (video on protecting children of labour migrants)

1.2 Decision Making

contribution towards the family

finances etc

after discussing with immediate family members as their emotional and physical support will give you strength and courage

family members as their support is also required

7Pre-departure

1.3 Selection of Job

jobs to respective countries

willingness to do a particular job type

See Handout 1 - Important information about the medical testing process

1.4 Recruitment

The process to follow, once you have decided to work overseas

A. How to find information on foreign job opportunities?

8 Pre-departure

B. If it is through a foreign employment agency, how do you get information

representatives

the recruitment and migration process

C. Verification of recruitment agent

is offering you a loan

consider how you will

you owe money to your employer or your

of debt bondage if you

D. General Costs of recruitment for specific categories of employment

Sample License

9Pre-departure

Expense Who bears it

No such cost

Passport preparation

Travel from village to town for medical and accommodation if necessary for overnight stayTravel to airport from Home

See Handout 2–How to get additional information about an employment

agency

1.5 Pre-departure Preparation

Requirements:

A. Obtaining Family Background Report

10 Pre-departure

B. Obtaining a Valid Passport

C. Obtaining Visa

D. Required documents to obtain visa:

E. Obtaining a certificate of Pre departure training of SLBFE

11Pre-departure

SLBFE registration stamp on passport

training programmes and categories specifically designed

Sample Visa for Kuwait

12 Pre-departure

Pre-requisites for the Training

documents

copies of passport and NIC along with a passport

Physical condition The candidate must be physically and mentally fit and

Domestic Workers to Saudi Arabia (Female) –

should be above 25 years

Domestic Workers to other Middle Eastern

Countries should be above (Female)–23 years

Domestic Workers to all other countries should be

above – 21 years

Those who are above 45 years of age should

undergo a physical fitness test and should produce

a medical report certified by a MBBS doctor.

Both Male & Female workers over 18 can be enrolled

for the training if they are going for employment

categories other than domestic sector.

However if a male worker goes for a domestic

work, he should complete 21 years of age.

Literacy level

Other Conditions

employment

13Pre-departure

Uniform for training

14 Pre-departure

Training certificates

15Pre-departure

F. Obtaining Employment /Job Agreement / Contract –

i. What you need to know about the Job Agreement

foreign employment agent as well as the prospective

The following signatures and endorsements should be on

ii. If recruitment is done by an agent:

16 Pre-departure

iii. If you are going abroad through a visa sent by a friend or a relative:

See Handout 3 – What is stated in my Job Agreement?

See Handout 4 - Minimum wages and conditions for specific countries

Annex 4 – Sample Agreements of 5 countries

G. Registration at SLBFE

I. Required documents for registration:

II. Why it is necessary to register with SLBFE?

17Pre-departure

important is the assurance of the terms and conditions of employment contract and access to life insurance

It will ensure the safety and welfare of your family

III. Who should register with the SLBFE

time or those who have completed their initial contract

Important Note

committed to providing you with various services including the

18 Pre-departure

I. Registration type, Fee and visa type

assistants female

categories

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can an employee working overseas seek the assistance of the SL Embassy for any disputes?

2. If you are changing the employer after the original contract period, (if allowed in that country) what is the procedure?

3. Where can I go for my pre-departure training?

19Pre-departure

Private training centres are accredited centres with approval

4. Are there any special requirements for Middle East countries?

5. What is the preparation for Korean employment?

1.6. Pre-departure Self preparation/self-assessment & Departure Checklist

A. At this moment you must consider the following:

responsibilities which need to be done in your absence

assist upon your return

20 Pre-departure

B. Please also leave the following documents at your home or in the custody of the care taker

employment

See Handout 5 - Services provided by the Labour Sections of the Sri Lankan

Embassies

Handout 6 - Pre-Departure Check list

C. Baggage, hand luggage and handbag

21Pre-departure

which are culturally suitable are chosen for the

luggage

Section 2 Departure

23Departure

Section 2 Departure

2.1 Travel to Airport

hours before the time of the flight as indicated in the travel

departure

the sponsor details or the details of the person who would

and secure in your handbag for easy access

2.2 At the Airport

to the information board displayed at the airport or on

persons along with your luggage as they may contain

24 Departure

Image of boarding pass

Embarkation Card

Listen to public announcements and enter and stay at the waiting area until boarding announcement is made by the

25Departure

Image of embarkation card

2.3 In the flight

boarding pass

Section 3 Arrival and In- Service

27Arrival and In-Service

Section 3 Arrival and In- Service

3.1 Arrival in destination country

provided while in the aircraft or obtained at the emigration

proof of arrival

counter

the customs

have the number already

In the case of transit via another airport before destination:

any help

flight time and terminal numbers

necessary security procedures

28 Arrival and In-Service

3.2 At work/In-service a. Duty related responsibilities

This document is important as you must have it with

and you have a good understanding of the employers

distance with the employer and family members and

allocated in the manner preferred by your employer

of the employer and family members

family members and do not disturb their routine while


and a suitable resolution should be reached

corresponding meaning

deposit if possible

the appropriate and allocated time and not while

be employed in

If you experience problems at work

salary or if your sponsor had violated your contract You cannot collect

non-payment of your wages after you come back to Sri Lanka. This must be done while you are in the country of employment. This is quite difficult to do after return & employer is under no obligation.


b. Personal Responsibilities

during the allocated time period for personal time

household equipment etc

permit or resident permit where appropriate and return

it is a punishable offense and you will be imprisoned

goods will also have warranty and can be repaired within the country

purchasing items

See Handout 7 – Managing your money


3.3 Repatriation due to various reasons There are various reasons for repatriation or immediate

facilitation of return to home country prior to the contract

undocumented status

3.4 End of Contract

seal is stamped you cannot claim your salary from your

a contractual requirement

leave the country

jail term


returning and possible dates

the employment period

What not to do

3.4.1 Extension of Stay If you do not wish to return home at the completion of your

contract and you are agreeable to your employers request to

sponsor is in the process of doing same

the additional period


grounds for the police to arrest you and imprison you

Section 4 Return and Reintegration

35Return and Reintegration

Section 4 Return and Reintegration

4.1 Returning to Sri Lanka

(A) Arrival at the Sri Lankan Airport

if provided while in the aircraft or obtained at the

of the middle eastern destinations do not use a

as proof of arrival

lost baggage counter

Green channel without filling any documents if you

and alcohol or cigarette over the limit then do all the

in commercial quantities and prohibited or restricted

the application form for any medical claim insurance

36 Return and Reintegration

information counter and the personnel on duty will

based at the airport could provide a variety of services

physical abuse

See Handout 8 - Services Provided By Sahana Piyasa at the 2 International

Airports


4.2 Short term reintegration and re-migrate I. If you are returning for a short period, and have plans to go back

for employment, you should register again at the SLBFE and obtain your visa facilitated by your employer/sponsor if there is such an arrangement. If not you may request information on jobs available in that country or others.

II. You can get an assessment of your skills through the system of Recognition of Prior Learning of the NAITA. Seek further information through the SLBFE

III. Look back at the achievements and progress you have made in the past 2 years and compare with your original goal. Have you met your goal? What more needs to be done to reach it?

IV. Ensure that no false documentation is prepared and return is done legally through the correct channels, if you wish to do so.

V. Join the Ratawiruwo programme and obtain its benefits

Handout 9 - What is the Rataviruwo Programme

4.3 Long Term Reintegration I. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be obtained upon your

return to assess your skills through TVEC, NAITA and TVA II. If you wish to start a business venture of your own, you should

contact the Welfare Division of the SLBFE regarding the special interest subsidized loans available through the Samurdhi Authority.

III. Look back at the achievements and progress you have made in the past 2 years and compare with your original goal. Have you met your goal? What more needs to be done to reach it?

IV. Seek the advice and guidance of the SLBFE and get to know all their reintegration related services such as livelihood loans, training.

V. Visit the District Secretariat and obtain information about small and medium enterprise loans through Samurdhi, Divi Neguma and other similar programmes, including those of NGOs.

VI. If you are taking long term medication, seek regular medical advice. Obtain a health check to ensure you are healthy and fit and are able to engage in a livelihood.

38 Return and Reintegration

1. Who can access SLBFE welfare services?

issues

2 What is an Insurance scheme?

3. How can I make a claim?

a certified death report and death certificate and where appropriate


Injury Claims

you need to get admitted to a hospital and get a medical certificate

1 How is the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) set up?

2. What are the welfare services for family members of the Migrant worker and support for the development of the family?

talents

40 Annex

3 What are the welfare services provided by SLBFE for in-service migrant workers?

issues

4 What are the available Welfare services for returnees?

5 Can those who are not registered also seek welfare services?

case basis

6 During civil unrest in foreign countries what support does SLBFE provide?

7 Is there a time limit to work in Cyprus?

months

film

41Annex

Annex 1 Obtaining a Passport Ordinary Passports

Passport Valid for All Countries

What are the documents required to be submitted along with the completed application form?

*If you already have a valid passport which belongs to M or N series (if the

passport number begins with letters M or N) it should be submitted along

with the application.

Where can I obtain an Application Form?

Where can I submit my application?

What are the delivery times for All-Countries Passport?

What are the processing fees for All-Countries Passport?

42 Annex

Sri Lankan Passport Valid for Specified Countries

List of Specified Countries

What are the documents required to be submitted along with the completed application?

What are the processing fees for Specified-Countries Passports?

If you already have a valid passport which belongs to M or N (if the passport number begins with letters M or N) it should be submitted along with the application.

43Annex

Annex 2 Pre departure training details

Training Course Target Group Age Limit

Duration (Days)

SLBFE Training Fee (Rs.)

NVQ Fee (Rs.)

Total fee to be payable

Training for

Training for those who can

Training for those who can

Care giving Training for Israel

Care giving sector

Care giving Training for Israel

Health Care

for Care giving

44 Annex

Literacy Training for prospective migrant

Prospective migrant

their mother tongue

ing program for overseas job

than domestic

ing non over

45Annex

Annex 3 Address & Contact Details of SLBFE Training Centres

Chilaw

Galle

46 Annex

Pasyala

Pannipitiya

Tangalle

Trincomalee

th

47Annex

Address & contact details of private Pre–departure training centers

No NAME OF THE AGENCY /TRAINING CENTER

NAME OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME

ADDRESS OF THE TRAINING CENTERS

TELEPHONE NO:

gedihena

rd

Tel

48 Annex

Annex 4 Formats of Employment Agreements for Domestic Workers Migrating to Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Jordan and Sri Lankan Workers Migrating to Middle East Countries for Employment;

Employment Agreement for Sri Lankan Domestic Workers in Oman

The following parties complete and sign this service agreement by voluntarily obliging to the orders and

49Annex

terminate the services of the second party without any prior notice or salary

set out in the service agreement has been breached the second party can terminate the service

in a amicable manner a certificate indicating the bonds of both parties should be given to both

50 Annex

Service Agreement for Sri Lankan Domestic Workers in Kuwait

The following parties complete and sign this service agreement by bountarily binding to the orders and

(1) First Party

(2) Second Party

(3) Third Party

51Annex

Obligations of the First party

Obligations of the Second Party

to the months agreed salary in addition to the salary relevant to the month of the death to the family

Obligations of the third party

52 Annex

General Rules

53Annex

Employment Agreement for Domestic Workers in Lebanon

The following parties complete and sign this service agreement voluntarily obliging to abide by the

54 Annex

o

office should be immediately notified of it and the dead body of her and possessions should be

improper conduct or deliberately disobeying the instructions of the employer or his immediate

11. Dispute Resolution

12. Special Provisions

55Annex

56 Annex

Special Service contract for Domestic Workers who are Non Jordan Nationals

This service contract is entered into being voluntarily bound on the terms and conditions mentioned

57Annex

Conditions of Service

The first party shall deploy the second party as a household employee at the aforesaid address mentioned in the contract and the second party concurs to provide his complete service to the first party in

Service conditions:

party before the lapse of due period of service the first party shall provide the second party

is changed or the second party terminated the contract upon whatsoever reason arising from a

and in case the first party fails to comply with that requirement the first party shall pay all the fines

originals of the relevant receipts to the effect that remuneration was paid and received

The remuneration of the second party shall not be paid to a third party without such written consent

58 Annex

insurance company approved by the embassy of the second party of which the annual premium is

aforesaid copies shall be provided to the first party second party and the embassy of the relevant

59Annex

Service Contract for Sri Lankan Domestic Workers working in Middle East countries

This service contract is entered into between the following parties being bound by terms and conditions

and

60 Annex

employees and the employer shall even provide winter clothes to the employees if the environmental

compensation benefit scheme as per the rules of the host country on order to benefit the employee

disobedient by the employee to the legal directions given by the employer or closest inmates

terminate the contract on personal grounds as well subsequent to the provision of a salary of

in service continuously is illegal due to serious illness or an accident or it may cause harm to

61Annex

In case a dispute has arisen between the employer and the employee either party may refer that matter

62 Annex

Annex 5 Contact details of labour sections in Sri Lanka Missions of labor receiving countries

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E Dubai, U.A.E.

Cyprus Bahrain

Israel Japan

Jordan Jeddah, K.S.A.

Kuwait Lebanon

63Annex

MalaysiaMaldives

Oman Qatar

Riyadh, K.S.A. Korea

Singapore

64 Annex

Annex 6 Services (including Welfare) Provided by the SLBFE to Migrant Workers

Registration Services

Dispute Settlement Services

International Relation Services

Social, Insurance Service Facilities

This scheme provides a variety of social and insurance services to the family members

Decentralisation of SLBFE tasks

Special Informative Programmes

65Annex

Foreign Employment Approval Services

Grooming of Skilled Workers

the industries they have chosen as well as the languages in the countries of prospective

Signing of Service Agreements

Opening of Savings Accounts

Special Investigative Services

Information Technology Services

Research and Library Services

Latest trends and developments in the foreign employment industry are being closely

The Official Website of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment

66 Annex

Special scholarships are awarded to children of migrant workers annually

Description Amount Rs.

Those who qualify for higher studies in Universities and the

Scholarships to children of Migrant Workers

Providing of stationery and other important educational items

Providing Housing loans and loans for self-employment

÷

÷

÷

÷

Repatriation of Migrant Workers

67Annex

A special unit to provide for the needs of the children of migrant worker parents

Providing housing loans for those who fall in to permanent disability during their overseas employment

Sesatha Voluntary Retirement Scheme

Medical treatments for migrant workers returning to Sri Lanka due to illness

SahanaPiyasa Welfare Service Centre

68 Annex

Annex 7 Schedule of Benefits of the insurance coverage to migrant workers

EVENT BENEFITS OF THE INSURANCE COVERAGE

injury after leaving employment abroad

by a sponsor or his family

during the contract period

runaways from sponsor not entitled

Receipt or the original return ticket should be furnished )

reports

In an occasion where the death/medical report indicated the cause of death as ‘’suicide’ the legal heirs of the migrant worker will not be entitled to this benefit

Documents needed – Medical report from overseas,

Letter of request, affidavit, Death certificate and/or

judiciary medical report, copy of Bio page of passport

with the pages and immigration emigration notes (seal

of immigration officers of Sri Lanka) , copy of bank book

(bio page) of each dependent, Embassy reports and other

required reports

69Annex

a critical illness or accident

during the contract period

Documents needed - Medical report from overseas, Local

medical report, medical bills, Letter of request, affidavit,

Death certificate and/or judiciary medical report, copy of

Bio page of passport with the pages and emigration notes

(seal of immigration officers of Sri Lanka ) , copy of bank

book (bio page) of each dependent and other required

reports

while

All certificates, information and evidence required( relevant to the occurrence) should be furnished by the beneficiary along with the application which is available in Bureau.-

Documents needed – Medical report from overseas, Local

medical report, medical bills, Medical examination report

from local consultant doctor, Letter of request, copy of

Bio page of passport with the pages of immigration

and emigration notes (seal of immigration officers of Sri

Lanka) , copy of bank book (bio page),Embassy report and

other required reports

Documents needed – Medical report from overseas, Local

medical report, medical bills, Medical examination report

from local consultant doctor, Letter of request, copy of

Bio page of passport with the pages of immigration

and emigration notes (seal of immigration officers of Sri

Lanka), copy of bank book (bio page),Embassy report and

other required reports

Safe Labour Migration

Information Guide

Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment