New Zealand has announced it will provide the necessary funds for the establishment of a Migration Resource Centre in Sri Lanka.
Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara said that the High Commission of New Zealand said that it would provide support and necessary funds for the establishment of a migration resource centre.
He further said that a crucial discussion in this regard was held this morning (Aug. 29) between the Minister and the Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand, Andrew Traveller.
Regarding the establishment of this centre, a memorandum of understanding is to be signed between the two countries and the relevant MoU is to be reviewed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cabinet of Ministers.
The centre, if approved, will be established at an appropriate location chosen by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), the minister said.
Minister Nanayakkara added that New Zealand will provide assistance for a period of three years after the establishment of the centre.
Through this project, programmes are to be implemented to create awareness among vulnerable people regarding safe migration and foreign employment and it will also play a crucial role in preventing human trafficking and irregular migration.
If successful, similar programmes are planned covering all provinces on the island, the minister said, issuing a statement.
Meanwhile, the Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand emphasized during the meeting that this project will pave the way for further strengthening the relations between Sri Lanka and New Zealand and contribute to the improvement of people’s understanding of matters related to foreign employment.
