Summary of the analysis
- In 2025, over 311,207 Sri Lankans left for foreign employment, contributing around $8.076 billion in remittances
- In 2025, SLBFE received thousands of complaints: over 4,822 cases of contract violations, wage theft, and abuse.
- Why It’s Not Easy? Barriers and Long-Term Costs!
Migration has long been seen as a pathway to better opportunities for many Sri Lankans. With economic challenges at home, thousands depart annually for jobs abroad, sending back vital remittances. In 2025, over 311,207 Sri Lankans left for foreign employment, contributing around $8.076 billion in remittances. Yet, recent discussions highlight a tougher reality: high costs to migrate (often Rs. 3.5–5 million in fees and expenses) don’t always lead to success. Many face exploitation, isolation, and hardship, questioning if leaving is truly the best solution.
From a public perspective, ordinary Sri Lankans parents saving for children’s futures, youth weighing options, or families relying on overseas earnings view migration with mixed feelings. It promises financial relief but comes with risks that affect health, dignity, and long-term well-being. This article examines verified data on migrant struggles, why it’s not as easy as it seems, and whether building opportunities at home could offer sustainable alternatives.
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The Appeal of Migration: Remittances and Hope
Foreign employment remains a lifeline. The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) reports that in 2024-2025, departures focused on Middle East countries, with housemaids, skilled workers, and laborers dominating. Remittances hit record levels, supporting families with housing, education, and daily needs.
For many, it’s a calculated choice: higher wages abroad (even low-skilled jobs pay more than local equivalents) enable savings impossible at home. Success stories migrants returning with capital to start businesses inspire others. Public sentiment often celebrates these “heroes” sending money home.
Yet, this narrative overlooks the majority who struggle silently.
The Harsh Realities Abroad: Exploitation and Hardship
Data reveals significant challenges. In 2025, SLBFE received thousands of complaints: over 4,822 cases of contract violations, wage theft, and abuse. Housemaids in the Middle East reported physical/sexual harassment, passport confiscation, and forced labor conditions akin to modern slavery in extreme cases.
Deaths abroad are tragic: around 1,000-1,500 migrant workers die annually from accidents, illnesses, or suicides, per SLBFE records. Mental health suffers profoundly isolation, overwork (often 16-18 hour days), and family separation lead to depression and despair.
Financially, it’s not always rewarding. Recruitment fees trap workers in debt; low net savings after expenses leave many breaking even. Undocumented migration adds risks deportation, no protections.
Women, comprising over 50% of departures (mostly housemaids), face heightened vulnerabilities. Reports show harassment, non-payment, and health issues from poor living conditions.
Public stories echo this: families awaiting delayed wages, or returnees with trauma rather than triumph. Many realize abroad isn’t the “dream”, it’s survival.
Why It’s Not Easy: Barriers and Long-Term Costs
Migration demands sacrifice. High agency fees (Rs. 200,000–500,000+ officially, more illegally) force borrowing at high interest. Training and documents add costs.
Abroad, challenges include:
- Cultural/language barriers.
- Discrimination and poor working conditions.
- Limited legal recourse in host countries.
- Health risks without adequate support.
Returnees often struggle reintegrating skills mismatched, savings depleted. Brain drain depletes talent: professionals leaving weakens local sectors like healthcare and education.
Data from 2025 shows only a fraction achieve intended goals; many return early due to issues.
Alternatives: Building Opportunities at Home
While migration helps short-term, sustainable solutions lie locally. Investing migration capital in startups, education, or small businesses could create jobs here.
Government initiatives skills training, entrepreneurship support, wage improvements aim to retain talent. Public calls grow for better local prospects: fair pay, stability, reduced corruption.
Success stories exist: returnees starting ventures, youth innovating digitally. Focusing on domestic growth reduces migration pressure.
Informed Choices for a Better Future
Migration offers opportunities but isn’t a universal solution. Verified data shows thousands face exploitation, debt, and hardship abroad far from easy success.
For Sri Lankans weighing options, consider realities: health costs, family separation, uncertain gains. Building at home with policy support may yield lasting rewards.
Public awareness empowers decisions: migrate informed, or invest locally. Either way, prioritizing dignity and well-being guides brighter paths.
As families discuss futures, balanced views foster resilience whether staying or going, with eyes open.
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